Jesy Nelson has expressed her happiness as her twin daughters, who are battling Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), have had their feeding tubes removed. The singer announced in September 2025 that her then 14-month-old twins, Ocean and Story, had been diagnosed with SMA Type 1, a rare muscle-wasting condition. Nelson shared her relief on Friday, stating she could finally 'see their faces again.'
Nelson had previously expressed her fear regarding the surgery to remove the nasogastric (NG) tubes, which are used for feeding when muscle weakness makes swallowing difficult. She described seeing her daughters sleeping without the tubes as feeling 'like a dream.'
In preparation for the procedure, Nelson posted a picture of her babies with a hair clip that read 'good things are coming,' embracing a positive outlook during their health challenges. She wrote on social media earlier this week, 'Today is the last day of my baby girls having [their] ng tubes on their faces... As terrified as I am about them having [their] operation tomorrow, I cannot wait to finally see their faces again and see their little dimples that are always under these plasters.'
Last month, Nelson celebrated a significant victory in her campaign for improved SMA diagnosis, announcing that the SMA Type 1 screening test would be rolled out across the entire UK. She had been advocating for the widespread implementation of this screening. Following a phone call with Health Minister Sharon Hodgson and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care James Murray, the decision was made to expand the screening program nationwide.
Nelson expressed her pride in everyone involved in achieving this expansion, stating, 'It's amazing. It's just mind-blowing. I feel so proud... because now future SMA baby’s lives are gonna look completely different. And that is all I ever wanted.'
Previously, in June, Nelson attended a parliamentary debate regarding the rollout of newborn screening for SMA in England. The initial decision was to implement screening for only 72 percent of the country, excluding 28 percent. However, the government has now confirmed the expansion, set to begin in October this year, which will screen hundreds of thousands of babies.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a genetic disease that affects motor neuron cells, leading to progressive muscle weakness. SMA Type 1 is the most severe form, often diagnosed at birth, and can significantly impact a child's ability to sit, crawl, walk, and even breathe or swallow. Early detection through screening, typically via a heel prick blood test, is crucial for improving outcomes. Early treatment can significantly improve the quality of life for affected children.
