Jesy Nelson's celebrity friends including ex Chris Hughes show support as Little Mix singer reveals twin girls' devastating diagnosis
Jesy Nelson said the last few months have been 'the most heartbreaking time of my life'
The friends of pop star Jesy Nelson have reached out to show their support after she revealed devastating news about her twin baby daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster.
Nelson gave birth to the girls prematurely in May 2025, and after a few months, it became clear that something was up. So the 34-year-old new mom took them to a doctor and pushed for answers.
Today, the former Little Mix singer shared on Instagram that both girls have been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a devastating, rare genetic condition that means it is likely that neither of her babies will ever walk.
Nelson explained how the neuromuscular disease 'affects every muscle in the body, down to legs, arms, breathing and swallowing,' and eventually 'kills the muscles in the body.'
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Tearfully, Nelson said her life had turned upside down after she was told the girls had the most severe form of the condition, called SMA Type 1. Her heartbroken honesty led to a deluge of support from her celeb friends, including her ex Chris Hughes.
Now the boyfriend of JoJo Siwa, Hughes said: "A warrior Jess. Be easy on yourself. Sending prayers to you all, everyone behind you guys."
The pair had been together for around two years, between 2018 and 2020.
Nelson also revealed in her heartbreaking diagnosis announcement video that, without treatment, her daughters had a life expectancy of just two years. But with rapid treatment, they stood a chance.
"Once the girls got treated, it was a very rapid process. Time is of the essence with this disease," she said.
"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."
She explained that SMA meant that her daughters would be disabled for life and would likely never walk, with it being unlikely that they would have the strength to hold up their own heads.
Meanwhile, many of her friends from the world of showbiz leapt in to show their support, with singer Sam Bailey penning: "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 wrote: "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 added: "Jesy I'm so sorry. I'm thinking of you and your girls and sending love."
Jesy admitted 'the last few months have been the most heartbreaking time of my life', adding that it feels 'like 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."
What are the symptoms of SMA?
There are five different types of SMA, and Jesy's daughters have type 1.
According to Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of this particular SMA will rise within the first six months of life and include limited head control and decreased muscle tone.
The website continues: "Infants with type 1 SMA also have difficulty swallowing and breathing. Without breathing support, children with type 1 SMA die before their second birthday."
Other symptoms of type 1 SMA include:
- lack of reflexes
- inability to sit without support
- abnormal breathing pattern
- a bell-shaped chest
- facial muscle weakness
William Morgan