The moment didn’t happen on a stage or in a recording studio. It happened in a small room, in front of a live signature counter — and it ended in uncontrollable tears.

Jesy Nelson broke down as her petition calling for routine newborn screening for SMA1 officially reached 100,000 signatures — the threshold that now forces the issue to be debated by MPs in the House of Commons. What began as one mother’s cry for help has grown into a national conversation about early diagnosis, timely intervention, and the future of newborn care across the UK.

From Overwhelming Joy to an Unthinkable Shock

Jesy, 34, welcomed her twin daughters Ocean Jade and Story Monroe in May 2025 with former partner Zion Foster. Just months later, her world collapsed when both babies were diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1) — a rare, life-limiting genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness and severely affects breathing, feeding, and movement.

Jesy has spoken openly about her belief that early screening at birth could have prevented irreversible damage. She has repeatedly stressed that the test costs around £1 per baby, yet can make the difference between early treatment and permanent harm.

The 100,000 Moment — and a Mother’s Tears

In raw footage shared on Instagram, Jesy is seen surrounded by close friends, all holding their breath as the live counter climbs. When it finally tipped over 100,000, the room erupted into cheers — quickly followed by tears as the significance of the moment sank in. Within hours, the number surged beyond 120,000 signatures.

Jesy wrote emotionally:

“I honestly can’t put into words how grateful I am that this moment has just happened. And it’s all thanks to you.”

She later added:

“Thank you to every single person who 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 just the first hurdle — but we bloody did it. And I truly believe together we are going to make change.”

Putting Music on Hold to Be a Mother First

As the campaign gathers momentum, Jesy has revealed she has parked her music career to focus entirely on her daughters. Speaking on Heart FM earlier this week, she said:

“I’d never say never to music. But right now, my girls are my whole heart and soul. I want to keep advocating for them, get this heel-prick test changed, and make them strong. That’s what will determine their future.”

She has also spoken candidly about the emotional toll of caring for two seriously ill babies — describing daily medical routines as exhausting, overwhelming, and at times unbearable.

“Every day is so full-on,” she admitted. “You can hear me talk about it, but you can’t really understand how intense it is until you see it.”

Reflecting on the Past, Focused on the Future

In her Prime Video documentary Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix, Jesy revisits her abrupt departure from Little Mix following a secret suicide attempt in 2020. She revealed that legal complications meant her decision to leave was communicated through lawyers before she could speak directly to her bandmates — something she believes caused lasting fractures.

Now, however, her focus is unwavering — shaped entirely by two tiny lives that have redefined everything.

Not Just a Number — But Hope

As MPs prepare to debate whether SMA1 screening should be added to the newborn heel-prick test, the tears Jesy shed were not only tears of relief — but of resolve.

What began in heartbreak has become a mission.
From one mother’s pain to a movement that could change newborn care for generations.

And at the centre of it all are Ocean Jade and Story Monroe — the twins whose lives have sparked hope for countless babies yet to be born.