Former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson, 35, has posted heartbreaking footage from her upcoming Amazon Prime Video series 'Jesy Nelson: Life Changing' showing the moment she and her former partner Zion Foster learned that their twins had tested positive for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
Emotional diagnosis revealed
In the clip, Jesy is seen rocking one of her babies while a doctor confirms via Zoom that the genetic test came back positive for the life-altering condition. She breaks down in tears, holding her head in her hands and saying, 'I can't believe this is happening.' Jesy describes SMA as 'the most severe muscle disease a baby can have.'
Accompanying the video on social media, Jesy wrote: 'I'm really not sure where to start with this one… 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.' She emphasized the importance of the heel prick test, noting that 'early diagnosis can change EVERYTHING.'
Call for newborn screening
The newborn blood spot test, commonly known as the heel prick test, currently screens for 10 rare conditions but not SMA, according to Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK. Campaigners, including Jesy, are pushing for universal newborn screening for the disease. The charity says work is already underway to introduce this screening.
Jesy has previously spoken out about what she calls a 'postcode lottery' determining whether a newborn in the UK is tested for SMA. According to the NHS, the rare genetic condition causes muscle weakness, movement problems, breathing or swallowing difficulties, muscle twitching, and bone and joint issues. It does not affect intelligence or cause learning disabilities.
Outpouring of support
After posting the video, support flooded in from celebrities and fans. 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,' while Georgia Harrison posted clapping emojis.
'Jesy Nelson: Life Changing' is set to stream on Amazon Prime Video from July 17.
