Jesy Nelson’s plea for change after learning twins have rare genetic condition

Health & FitnessFamily & Parenting
7 Jan 2026 • 7:44 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Jesy Nelson, the former Little Mix singer, announced her twin daughters, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster, have been diagnosed with severe muscular disease, SMA1.
  • Following the diagnosis, Nelson revealed her intention to launch a campaign for universal SMA1 screening at birth.
  • She plans to start a petition to incorporate SMA screening into the standard newborn heel prick test, which is currently under review and not routinely available across the UK, except in Scotland.
  • Nelson expressed profound gratitude for the widespread support received since sharing her twins’ diagnosis.
  • Health Secretary Wes Streeting has publicly backed Nelson’s initiative, and she is scheduled to discuss her experience on ITV’s This Morning.

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