Jesy Nelson has been overwhelmed with love and messages of support after bravely revealing the devastating diagnosis facing her baby twins — with one of the most emotional messages coming from her ex, Chris Hughes.
The former Little Mix star shared a heartbreaking video on Instagram on Sunday, opening up about the reality she and partner Zion Foster are now facing after their daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, were diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1 — the most severe form of the rare muscle-wasting condition.
Speaking candidly from her home, Jesy Nelson explained that without early treatment, babies with SMA Type 1 often do not live beyond the age of two. Fighting back tears, she admitted the diagnosis has turned her entire world upside down, describing the past few months as “the most heartbreaking time of my life”.
Her raw honesty prompted an outpouring of love from fans and famous friends alike — including Chris, who dated Jesy from 2018 to 2020. Reaching out publicly, he urged her to show herself kindness, calling her a “warrior” and assuring her that so many people are standing behind her and her girls.
Chris’s girlfriend, JoJo Siwa, also added her support, sending prayers and love, while fellow stars Amy Childs, Megan McKenna, Jess Wright and Ashley James shared emotional messages of strength and solidarity.
One of the most moving responses came from I’m A Celebrity star Shona McGarty, who told Jesy there were no words big enough to capture how unfair and heartbreaking the situation is, reminding her that her daughters’ lives are already filled with love — and that love will always matter.
Jesy has since revealed that it took months of hospital appointments before doctors finally confirmed the diagnosis. The twins, who were born two months prematurely in May 2025 following a complicated pregnancy affected by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, are now receiving specialist care at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
She shared that her mother Janice was the first to notice something wasn’t right when the babies showed little movement in their legs. Although initial concerns were put down to prematurity, Jesy and Zion pushed for further tests after feeding difficulties emerged.
Opening up about the reality of daily life, Jesy admitted she has had to learn to care for her daughters using breathing machines, saying she feels as though she has become a nurse almost overnight. She also acknowledged that her girls are unlikely to ever walk and may remain disabled — a truth she described as unimaginably painful.
Still, Jesy remains determined to fight for her daughters. She said she truly believes Ocean and Story can defy expectations with the right treatment, adding that her decision to speak out was driven by a desire to raise awareness, as early diagnosis can dramatically change outcomes for babies with SMA.
Shortly after Jesy’s video was shared, Zion Foster also broke his silence, posting a photo of the twins smiling in their stroller and telling them simply that daddy loves them — a quiet but powerful message of hope in the middle of heartbreak.
