Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson has shared devastating personal news in an emotional video posted to her Instagram. The 34-year-old revealed that her twin daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster, have been diagnosed with a severe genetic condition and will never be able to walk.
A Mother's Heartbreaking Revelation
In a raw and tearful video, Jesy Nelson explained that her babies have Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type one. The rare disorder affects every muscle in the body, including those used for limb movement, swallowing, and breathing. The singer, who welcomed her twins in May 2024, said she is now acting as a full-time carer and has been forced to undertake "things no mother should".
The diagnosis came after a gruelling three to four months of endless appointments. It was initially Jesy's mother who noticed that the girls, born prematurely, were not showing the expected level of movement in their legs for their age. At the time, healthcare visitors insisted the twins were healthy, and Jesy, a first-time mother, was advised not to compare her premature babies to others.
The Race Against Time for Treatment
Jesy described SMA as a disease where "time is of the essence". She explained that if left untreated, life expectancy for babies with SMA type one typically does not extend past the age of two, as the condition progressively kills the muscles in the body.
The family was referred to specialists at London's renowned Great Ormond Street Hospital. There, they received the crushing prognosis that the twins would never walk, would likely never regain neck strength, and would be disabled. "The best thing we can do right now is to get them treatment and hope for the best," Jesy recounted being told.
Thankfully, the twins have now received the critical treatment they need. "If they didn't have it, they would die," Jesy stated, expressing profound gratitude that the life-saving intervention was administered.
Life as a Full-Time Carer
The pop star opened up about the immense personal challenge the diagnosis has brought. She described the hospital as her "second home" and said she has had to learn nursing skills rapidly. "I feel like I've had to become a nurse within two weeks of getting the diagnosis," she shared.
Breaking down in tears during the video, Jesy reflected on the last three months as "the most heartbreaking time of my life". Despite the pain, she emphasised her determination to remain positive. "I know I have to be grateful. At the end of the day they are still here and that's the main thing," she said.
She concluded with a message of hope and defiance: "I truly believe that my girls will defy all the odds and with the right help they will fight this." The singer's candid revelation has sparked an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities alike.
