Jesy Nelson has shared a deeply emotional and heart-warming video of her twin daughters holding hands, just days after admitting she was brought to tears by a painful reminder of the challenges still facing her family.
The former Little Mix star, 34, welcomed daughters Ocean Jade and Story Monroe prematurely in May 2025 with her ex-fiancé Zion Foster.
Last month, Jesy revealed the devastating news that both babies had been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 (SMA1) — a rare genetic neuromuscular condition that weakens muscles by damaging motor nerve cells in the spinal cord.
SMA Type 1 is the most severe and common form of the condition, with life expectancy estimated at less than two years without medical intervention.
Jesy has spoken candidly about her daughters’ diagnosis in her documentary Life After Little Mix and continues to share raw, honest updates about their health journey on Instagram.
A Moment That Melted Hearts
On Tuesday morning, Jesy took to her Instagram Stories to post a tender clip of Ocean and Story lying side-by-side in their bassinets, gently reaching out to hold each other’s hands.
She set the footage to Stand By Me, before following it with a sweet photograph of the twins fast asleep — still hand-in-hand.
The simple moment resonated deeply with fans, offering a glimpse of quiet love amid an otherwise relentless battle.
‘Another Reminder of Another Obstacle’
The touching update came just days after Jesy admitted she broke down in tears when her daughters’ special feeding chairs arrived at her home.
Because SMA1 causes progressive muscle weakness and wasting, Ocean and Story require feeding tubes due to severe swallowing, sucking and breathing difficulties. They also need specially designed chairs to provide crucial postural support.
Sharing a photo of the equipment, Jesy wrote:
“So the girls need special feeding chairs that came yesterday and I couldn’t help but burst into tears when I saw them.”
She continued:
“It just made me feel so sad as it’s another reminder of another obstacle we have to tackle. Do any other SMA mummies feel this way?”
Fighting for Change
Alongside caring for her daughters, Jesy has been tirelessly campaigning for the NHS to expand the standard newborn heel-prick test to screen for SMA1.
She has said that if her twins had received the £1 test at birth — and begun treatment sooner — their legs could potentially have been saved.
Her petition has already surpassed 100,000 signatures, meaning Parliament must now consider the issue for debate.
Despite her advocacy work, Jesy revealed she has put her music career on hold to focus entirely on her children.
Speaking on Heart FM Breakfast with Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston, she said:
“I’d never say never to music, but my girls are my main focus. I honestly don’t have the time — they are my whole heart and soul.”
“Getting this heel-prick test changed and getting them strong — that’s what will determine their future.”
A Daily Emotional Rollercoaster
Jesy has previously described caring for Ocean and Story as an emotional rollercoaster, admitting that some days are “really fing s” while others feel slightly lighter.
She explained that daily medical procedures often leave her feeling like she’s hurting her babies as they cry and scream — even though she knows the treatments are necessary.
“I just want to be their mum,” she said, adding that no two days ever feel the same emotionally.
Speaking about their prognosis, Jesy acknowledged the heartbreaking reality that SMA1 can be life-limiting, but said she remains hopeful that her daughters will defy the odds now they are receiving treatment.
“My girls are the strongest, most resilient babies,” she said.
“And I truly believe they’re going to defy everything.”
For now, a quiet moment of two tiny hands clasped together has become a powerful symbol — of love, resilience, and a mother holding on through unimaginable hardship.
