Former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson has shared heartbreaking news about the health of her infant twin daughters, revealing they have been diagnosed with a severe muscular disease and were told they may never walk.
Devastating Diagnosis for Premature Twins
The 34-year-old star, who gave birth to her daughters Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster prematurely in May 2025, disclosed that the babies have Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type one. She described this as the "most severe muscular disease" a baby can have.
In an emotional video shared online, Nelson explained that the condition affects every muscle in the body, including those needed for breathing, swallowing, and movement. "Essentially, what it does is, over time, it kills the muscle to the body," she stated, adding that without timely treatment, life expectancy for babies with this condition typically does not extend past the age of two.
Assessment at Great Ormond Street Hospital
The twins were assessed at the world-renowned Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. It was there that Nelson received the devastating prognosis. "We were told that they will never be able to walk and never regain their neck strength, so they will be disabled," the singer revealed.
She has since had to learn nursing skills rapidly, including how to use breathing machines for her daughters, in the two weeks following the diagnosis. Nelson described the last three months as "the most heartbreaking time of my life," feeling as though her whole world had turned upside down.
Symptoms and Urgent Treatment
Spinal Muscular Atrophy presents various symptoms, which can differ for each individual. Common signs include:
- Significant muscle weakness, resulting in floppy arms and legs.
- Severe movement problems, making sitting, crawling, or walking impossible.
- Difficulties with breathing and swallowing.
- Bone and joint issues, such as scoliosis (a curved spine).
- Visible muscle tremors or twitching.
The family has now begun urgent treatment for the twins. Nelson expressed profound gratitude that treatment was available, starkly noting, "Because if they don't have it, they will die." She holds onto hope that her daughters will "defy the odds" but wanted to share their story to help other parents recognise symptoms and seek diagnosis swiftly.
A Challenging Pregnancy and Journey to Motherhood
Nelson's path to motherhood was fraught with difficulty. Her pregnancy required close monitoring, and she spent much of it hospitalised. The twins also faced complications, living off one placenta due to pre-stage Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). Thankfully, this condition cleared after surgery.
After their premature birth in May, the babies spent time in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before eventually going home. Nelson shares her daughters with partner Zion Foster. The couple began dating in January 2022, briefly split last year, but have since reconciled.
Through her public revelation, Jesy Nelson aims to channel her family's private pain into public awareness, hoping her story might lead to earlier diagnoses and support for other children affected by SMA.
