Former Jesy Nelson has been flooded with messages of love and support from fans and famous friends after bravely revealing that her twin daughters have been diagnosed with a rare and life-limiting condition.
The 34-year-old singer shared the heartbreaking news that her eight-month-old twins, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster, have been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Type 1 — a severe genetic disease that affects every muscle in the body, from movement to swallowing.
Jesy explained that concerns were first raised by her mum, who noticed the girls were not moving their legs as much as expected. Having been repeatedly reassured that premature babies often develop more slowly, Jesy admitted she tried not to compare her daughters to other babies. “From the minute I left NICU I was told not to compare them,” she said, adding that health professionals initially insisted everything was fine.
However, when Ocean and Story began struggling to feed properly, Jesy continued to push for answers. After months of gruelling appointments, the twins were diagnosed with SMA Type 1. Jesy revealed that doctors warned without urgent treatment, babies with the condition may not live past the age of two.
Speaking through tears in an emotional Instagram video, Jesy shared that specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital told her the girls may never walk, may never regain neck strength, and will be disabled. She described how her life changed overnight, saying the hospital has become her “second home” and that she has had to become a full-time nurse to her daughters, doing “things no mother should ever have to do”.
Thankfully, Jesy confirmed that Ocean and Story have now received treatment — something she said saved their lives. “If they didn’t have it, they would die,” she said, adding that time is critical with the disease.
Following her announcement, celebrities quickly rallied around her. Love Island star Shaughna Phillips told Jesy she was a “superwoman” and sent love and prayers to her family. Her ex-partner Chris Hughes publicly showed his support, calling Jesy a “warrior” and reminding her that “everyone is behind you guys”.
TOWIE star Jess Wright sent love and strength, while Amy Childs added her own message of support. Singer Ben Ofoedu wrote that he hoped God would give Jesy the strength to get through this and bless her daughters, while songwriter Kamille and Traitors winner Leanne Quigley also shared heartfelt messages.
Despite the devastating diagnosis, Jesy ended her message with quiet determination. She said she truly believes her daughters will defy expectations and fight with the right help. “At the end of the day, they’re still here — and that’s the main thing,” she said.
