Jesy Nelson has celebrated the first birthday of her twin daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, who were diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA1) earlier this year. The former Little Mix star, 34, shared a heartfelt video on Instagram reciting Emily Perl Kingsley's poem 'Welcome to Holland', which describes raising a child with a disability.
In an emotional caption, Nelson described her daughters as the 'strongest most resilient little fighters I’ve ever known', adding: 'I cannot believe it has been a whole year since having my beautiful baby girls. They have been through so much.' The SMA diagnosis means the twins are unlikely to walk or regain neck strength, according to the singer.
Nelson has been an advocate for early detection of SMA. In January, she fronted a campaign with The Mirror calling for a blood test for SMA to be added to the NHS heel prick test for newborns. In April, an 'amazing' announcement confirmed the test would be added. She also met former Health Secretary Wes Streeting and visited 10 Downing Street, and became a patron of SMA UK in February.
The NHS states SMA causes muscle weakness, movement problems, breathing and swallowing issues, muscle tremors, and bone and joint problems. Nelson's twins have been 'through so much', but she celebrates their resilience, calling them 'tiny little super humans' who inspire everyone they meet.
