Jesy Nelson Says Twin Daughters May Never Walk

Jesy Nelson, the former Little Mix singer, has shared deeply personal and emotional news about her twin daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster, who were diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1) — the most severe form of the rare genetic neuromuscular disorder. The twins, born prematurely on 15 May 2025, have spent much of their young lives in and out of hospitals.

Jesy Nelson Discovers a Heart-Breaking Diagnosis

In an emotional Instagram video, Nelson explained that doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital believe her daughters “are probably never going to be able to walk” and may not regain full neck strength. SMA1 affects the muscles responsible for key functions such as leg movement, breathing, and swallowing, and without early intervention, it can be fatal before a child’s second birthday.

A Gruelling Medical Journey

Nelson described the past several months as the hardest of her life. Initially, signs such as limited leg movement and feeding struggles were attributed to the twins being born at 31 weeks, but after months of “endless appointments” and specialist consultations, a diagnosis of SMA1 was confirmed. The singer told her followers she felt like a “nurse” during the gruelling process of care, including putting her daughters on breathing support machines.

Despite the devastating prognosis, the twins have begun urgent treatment, including gene therapy and respiratory care, which experts say can improve survival and development outcomes when started early. Nelson highlighted the importance of early awareness and diagnosis for other families, noting how critical it is to recognise warning signs in infants.

Jesy Nelson Shares for Awareness and Advocacy

Nelson’s decision to publicly share her family’s struggle has drawn widespread sympathy and praise. Advocacy groups and health professionals have emphasised that SMA, while rare, can be life-threatening and benefit greatly from early intervention — including medications and gene therapies that have transformed prognosis in recent years. The singer has used her platform to encourage parents to pay close attention to early developmental cues such as muscle weakness and feeding difficulties.

Charity leaders have commended Nelson’s willingness to speak openly about what her family is facing, noting that raising awareness can help other families get quicker diagnoses and treatment. The twin girls’ journey has sparked broader discussion about newborn screening and access to SMA care.

Family Support and Public Reaction

Nelson’s fiancé, Zion Foster, shared a heartfelt tribute to their daughters on social media, underscoring their love and determination to support the girls through the difficult road ahead. Fans and fellow artists have rallied behind the family, offering messages of support and admiration. Nelson’s ex-boyfriend, reality star Chris Hughes, even described her as a “warrior” for her strength during this “heartbreaking” ordeal.

Social media reaction has been emotional and supportive, with many users expressing both sadness for the family and admiration for Nelson’s bravery in sharing such difficult news. Some commenters on forums discussed the serious nature of SMA1 and the importance of outreach for rare disease awareness.

Looking Ahead

While SMA1 can dramatically affect mobility and life expectancy, treatments available today — especially when initiated early — have improved the outlook for many children. Nelson expressed hope that her daughters will “defy the odds” and continue to focus on providing them with the best possible care. Her public message is as much about raising awareness of the disease as it is about navigating the personal heartbreak of unexpected medical challenges.

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