Jesy Nelson Becomes Patron for SMA UK After Diagnosis

Jesy Nelson shared that she is 'deeply touched' as she became a patron for SMA UK after her twin daughters' devastating diagnosis.

The former Little Mix star is currently campaigning for newborn screening heel-prick test after to try and detect Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 (SMA1) earlier. 

Jesy revealed the diagnosis last month after welcoming twin daughters Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, whom she shares with ex Zion Foster, prematurely in May 2025.

Now as part of her campaigning, Jesy has announced she is officially a patron of the charity SMA UK.

Jesy said she is 'deeply touched' to be involved with the charity and insisted she will continue to raise awareness for the test to be implemented to newborn screening. 

Sharing a picture of her certificate of patronage, she wrote: 'Today I’m incredibly proud to share that I’ve officially become a patron of SMA UK.

Jesy Nelson shared that she is 'deeply touched' as she became a patron for SMA UK after her twin daughters' devastating diagnosis announced on Instagram on Tuesday

Jesy revealed the diagnosis last month after welcoming twin daughters Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, whom she shares with ex Zion Foster, prematurely in May 2025

'This truly means so much to me. I’ve been deeply touched by the SMA community from the strength of the children, the resilience of the families, and the love that surrounds them every single day.

'I'll be using my voice to keep raising awareness not only for my girls, but to support families going through the same experiences, and campaigning for the SMA test to be added to the newborn screening heel-prick test so more babies can get the help they need as early as possible.'

She continued: 'My patron page link is now in my bio and stories. Absolutely anything makes a difference. Any support, donations, sharing, conversations… every action helps bring awareness and hope.

'If you would like to donate, you can text JESY5 to 70470 to donate £5.'

On Friday, Jesy released her documentary Life After Little Mix, where she spoke about her babies' diagnosis, as well as the truth behind her decision to leave the band in 2020.

And in a post on Instagram Stories, Jesy celebrated the news that her documentary was number one in Amazon's viewing charts.

Posting a video of her baby daughters as well as her TV with the documentary at the top of the charts, Jesy wrote: 'Still can't believe it, thank you everyone.'

Since sharing her twins' diagnosis, Jesy has been demanding the NHS expand the standard heel prick test to check for SMA1 and says the test, which costs around £1 each, could have saved [her twins'] legs' by giving them access to earlier treatment.  

Jesy said she is 'deeply touched' to be involved with the charity and insisted she will continue to raise awareness for the test to be implemented to newborn screening

As she continues to campaign for screening for the condition to be included in the newborn blood spot test, she's revealed she has parked her music career

Jesy has demanded the NHS expand the standard heel prick test to check for the condition, saying tests cost around £1 each and that they 'could have saved [her twins'] legs' by giving them access to earlier treatment

Now taking to Instagram the singer shared a clip of herself and a group of pals watching the signatures rise, before finally hitting 100,000 leaving them all collapsing into both cheers and tears - the total has since risen to way over 120,000. 

An emotional Jesy captioned the post: 'I cannot actually put into words how grateful I am that this moment has just happened right here! And it is all thanks to you guys'.

'Thank you to every single person that took time out of their day to sign this petition. You have no idea how much this means to me and the SMA community. This is the first hurdle but we bloody did it and I truly believe that together we are going to make change!'. 

As she continues to campaign for screening for the condition to be included in the newborn blood spot test, she's revealed she has parked her music career.

Appearing on Heart FM's Breakfast show on Thursday, Jesy told Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston her focus is now solely on the twins.

She explained: 'Look listen I’d never say never say never to music, but for me, my girls are my main focus, I’ll be honest with you, I’ve not got time, I really don’t.

'They are my whole heart and soul and my main focus, and I want to continue advocating for them and getting this heel prick test changed and getting them strong, that’s my main focus.

An emotional Jesy captioned the post: 'I cannot actually put into words how grateful I am that this moment has just happened right here! And it is all thanks to you guys'.

'Because that’s going to determine their future. That’s my main focus right now.'

She previously told Daily Mail the medical procedures her babies must endure each day leave her feeling like she's hurting them as they cry and scream.

She described caring for the twins as an emotional rollercoaster, with some days being 'really f***ing s***' and others slightly lighter. 

She and ex-partner Zion never expected to be caring for their babies in such a way, and Jesy says having to provide for their medical needs is a daily struggle.

Jesy told the Daily Mail: 'Every day is so full-on - I can speak about it, but I'll never be able to explain how intense it is until you see it.