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Former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson has shared hugely emotional footage showing the moment she received news that her babies had spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
The 35-year-old posted footage from her Amazon Prime Video series: ‘Jesy Nelson: Life Changing’, which she ‘urges’ everyone to watch.
In the clip, Jesy can be seen rocking one of her babies from side to side while she and her former partner, Zion Foster, receive news that her twins’ ‘genetic test came back positive’ for the life-altering condition.
After the Zoom call where a man who appears to be a doctor confirms the diagnosis, Jesy can be seen crying with her head in her hands. Through tears, she says: ‘I can’t believe this is happening.’
Explaining the condition, Jesy tells viewers: ‘It’s the most severe muscle disease a baby can have.’
The singer accompanied the video with a caption that read: ‘I’m really not sure where to start with this one…’
She went on: ‘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.
‘I truly hope this helps people understand why the heel prick test and treatment from birth are so incredibly vital. Early diagnosis can change EVERYTHING.’
The heel prick test, now called the newborn blood spot test, is a method used by medics to help check if babies have any of 10 rare conditions.
According to Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK, the rest does not currently test for SMA, but campaigners, including Jesy, want all newborns to be screened for the disease.
The charity claims work is already going on to introduce this screening.
In a recent video, Jesy raged at the postcode lottery she claimed dictated whether a newborn in the UK was tested.
According to the NHS, the rare genetic condition affects everyone differently, but it can include muscle weakness, movement problems, problems with breathing or swallowing, twitching or shaking muscles and bone and joint problems.
While most often noticed in babies and toddlers, the symptoms can start in teenagers and adults.
SMA doesn’t affect intelligence or cause learning disabilities.
After posting her heart-breaking video onto social media last night, support flooded the Boyz hitmaker’s comments.
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.’
The former TOWIE (The Only Way is Essex) star shared two years ago that her son has a ‘congenital heart disease called Bicuspid Aortic Valve’.
Safiyya Vorajee said: ‘Love you girl this truly breaks my heart.’
While Georgia Harrison posted a string of clapping emojis.
Jesy Nelson: Life Changing is available to stream Amazon Prime Video from July 17.