Jesy Nelson Says Twin Babies Face Tough Road After Diagnosis

Jesy Nelson has revealed that her newborn twins have been diagnosed with a serious genetic condition that makes walking and normal muscle development unlikely. The former Little Mix singer says she and her fiancé, Zion Foster, are now focused on treatment and raising awareness because timing is crucial. The couple’s daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson‑Foster, were born prematurely on 15 May at about 31 weeks. After four months of intensive hospital visits the twins were diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1), the most severe form of the neuromuscular disorder. Nelson says the condition causes progressive muscle weakness and, without prompt intervention, can be life‑threatening. Nelson has described an exhausting and emotional journey. Her mother first noticed the babies were moving their legs less than expected and they later had trouble feeding. At first clinicians attributed delays to prematurity, but further checks led to the SMA1 diagnosis. Nelson said the twins have already received treatment — medicines that have been made available on the NHS since 2019, including gene therapy — and she expressed relief that they were treated quickly. SMA experts stress that early detection changes outcomes. NHS figures show about 70 children are born with SMA each year in the UK; without treatment fewer than one in 10 survive to age two. Patient groups say the UK is lagging on newborn screening: the standard five‑day blood‑spot test in England does not currently include SMA, although Scotland began a two‑year pilot last September that added the condition to its screening panel. Nelson urged other parents to act fast if they spot worrying signs. She listed symptoms to watch for in infants: very floppy limbs, inability to support the head, legs that lie in a “frog‑like” position with little movement, and rapid abdominal breathing. She pleaded with anyone who notices these signs to seek medical attention immediately because earlier treatment often leads to better results. Speaking candidly about the impact on her life, Nelson said she has been grieving the future she imagined for her children while still holding on to hope. She told followers she believes her daughters will “fight all the odds” and that raising public awareness could help other families get a quicker diagnosis. Her message lands at a moment when the debate over extending newborn screening and speeding access to treatments is very much alive — and her profile may push that conversation into the public eye. --- Managing your business finances? TaxAce provides smart online accountancy services for UK businesses with flexible monthly plans. Image and reporting: https://www.theguardian.com | Read original article