Former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson has shared deeply emotional footage from her Amazon Prime Video series 'Jesy Nelson: Life Changing' showing the moment she and her former partner Zion Foster learned that their twins had spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In the clip, the 35-year-old is seen rocking one of her babies while a doctor confirms via Zoom that the twins' genetic test returned positive for the condition.
Emotional Reaction and Explanation
After the call, Jesy is seen crying with her head in her hands, saying through tears: 'I can't believe this is happening.' She explains to viewers: 'It's the most severe muscle disease a baby can have.' The singer accompanied the video with a caption that began: 'I'm really not sure where to start with this one...' She added: 'This is only a small glimpse into what my girls have to go through every single day. It's the reality that so many children born with SMA have to endure and this is only the beginning of their lives.'
Call for Newborn Screening
Jesy urged: 'I truly hope this helps people understand why the heel prick test and treatment from birth are so incredibly vital. Early diagnosis can change EVERYTHING.' The heel prick test, now called the newborn blood spot test, checks for 10 rare conditions but does not currently include SMA, according to Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK. Campaigners, including Jesy, want all newborns screened for the disease, and the charity says work is underway to introduce this screening. In a recent video, Jesy criticized the 'postcode lottery' she claimed dictates whether a newborn in the UK is tested.
Understanding SMA
According to the NHS, the rare genetic condition affects everyone differently, with symptoms including muscle weakness, movement problems, breathing or swallowing difficulties, twitching muscles, and bone and joint issues. It is most often noticed in babies and toddlers but can start in teenagers and adults. SMA does not affect intelligence or cause learning disabilities.
Support from Celebrities
After posting the video, support flooded in. Jess Wright wrote: 'Angel girl you've got this ❤️ being a mother of a child with compromised health, we have to have hope & faith. You are doing amazing.' Safiyya Vorajee commented: 'Love you girl this truly breaks my heart.' Georgia Harrison posted a string of clapping emojis. Jess Wright previously shared that her son has a congenital heart disease called Bicuspid Aortic Valve.
Documentary Release
'Jesy Nelson: Life Changing' is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video from July 17.
