Jesy Nelson, the former Little Mix singer, has received an outpouring of support from friends after sharing heartbreaking news about her twin daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster.
The girls were born prematurely in May 2025, and Jesy soon noticed concerning signs that led her to seek medical advice. At 34, she pushed for answers and discovered a devastating diagnosis.
In an emotional Instagram post, Jesy revealed that her daughters have been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic condition that could prevent them from ever walking.
Jesy described the neuromuscular disease as affecting every muscle in the body, impacting everything from movement to vital functions like breathing and swallowing, eventually leading to muscle degeneration.
Through tears, Jesy shared how her world changed upon learning that her daughters have SMA Type 1, the most severe form of the condition. Her raw honesty prompted numerous messages of support from friends and celebrities, including her ex, Chris Hughes.
Chris Hughes, now in a relationship with JoJo Siwa, expressed his support by saying, “A warrior Jess. Be easy on yourself. Sending prayers to you all, everyone behind you guys.”
Jesy and Chris were together for about two years, from 2018 to 2020.
In a touching announcement video, Jesy disclosed that without intervention, her daughters’ life expectancy would be just two years. However, early treatment offers a glimmer of hope.
“Once the girls got treated, it was a very rapid process. Time is of the essence with this disease,” Jesy noted.
“When they assessed the girls at Great Ormond Street [hospital], we were told they were never going to be able to walk.
“They would probably never regain their neck strength. They will be disabled. The best thing we can do right now is to get them treatment and hope for the best.”
Jesy shared that SMA would result in lifelong disability for her daughters, likely preventing them from walking or holding up their heads.
Meanwhile, friends from the entertainment industry came forward with support, including singer Sam Bailey, who wrote: “Oh Jess!! This is so not fair!! You are so strong for sharing this and I just wanna climb down the phone and give you a big mummy cuddle!”
Former Love Island contestant Shaughna Phillips added: “Sending you and your girls so much love and positive prayers, you are a superwoman and they are lucky to have you.”
Made In Chelsea‘s Ashley James offered her condolences, saying: “Jesy I’m so sorry. I’m thinking of you and your girls and sending love.”
Jesy admitted that “the last few months have been the most heartbreaking time of my life,” feeling as if “my whole life has done a 360.”
“I almost feel like I am grieving a life I thought I was going to have with my children.
“I truly believe my girls will defy all the odds with the right help and do things that have never been done.”
There are five types of SMA, and Jesy’s daughters are affected by type 1.
According to Cleveland Clinic, symptoms for this type of SMA typically appear within the first six months of a child’s life, leading to issues such as limited head control and decreased muscle tone.
The website states: “Infants with type 1 SMA also have difficulty swallowing and breathing. Without breathing support, children with type 1 SMA die before their second birthday.”
Additional symptoms of type 1 SMA include: