Chris Hughes brands ex Jesy Nelson a 'warrior' after twins' diagnosis
Chris Hughes reached out to his 'warrior' ex-girlfriend Jesy Nelson after she revealed her twin daughters had received a heartbreaking diagnosis. On Sunday, the former Little Mix star, 34, took to Instagram to announce that after 'gruelling months', Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, eight months, have been diagnosed with genetic neuromuscular disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy. She explained that the condition, which causes progressive muscle weakness and wasting due to motor neuron loss, 'affects every muscle in the body down to legs, arms, breathing and swallowing'.Love Island star Chris, 33, who dated Jesy from late 2018 until their split in April 2020, joined a chorus of celebrities in commenting on her video, writing: 'A warrior Jess. Be easy on yourself. Sending prayers to you all, everyone behind you guys.'A slew of followers praised 'lovely person' Chris for reaching out to his ex in her time of strife, while his girlfriend Jojo Siwa also shared a message of support. Chris Hughes reached out to his 'warrior' ex-girlfriend Jesy Nelson after she revealed her twin daughters had received a heartbreaking diagnosis (Jesy and Chris pictured in 2019) On Sunday, the former Little Mix star, 34, took to Instagram to announce that after 'gruelling months', Ocean Jade and Story Monroe, eight months, have been diagnosed with genetic neuromuscular disease Spinal Muscular Atrophy Jesy welcomed her twin daughters with partner Zion Foster on May 15, 2025, after spending much of her difficult pregnancy in hospital before the girls were delivered at 31 weeks which was followed by a stay in the NICUJesy welcomed her twin daughters with partner Zion Foster on May 15, 2025, after spending much of her difficult pregnancy in hospital before the girls were delivered at 31 weeks which was followed by a stay in the NICU.The singer opened Sunday's video by explaining that it was her mother who first noticed the twins were not moving as much as expected.She went on to explain that after their diagnosis they required urgent care for the life-shortening disease, meaning she has been in the midst of 'endless hospital appointments' amid the 'rapid' treatment without which they could die.Chris' message of support saw a number of followers praise the star. Fans lauded him for showing his support, with Instagram users replying to Chris' comment writing: 'just shows what a lovely person you are Chris that you’ve taken time out your day to send a lovely message sending lots of love to all...'so lovely of you Chris to still send prayers. That goes a long way. Thinking of you Jesy... I expected nothing less Just shows what a lovely human you are... top guy right here... what a lovely guy you are xx... Chris your such a good person.'Chris' girlfriend, Dance Moms star Jojo added to the outpouring of support for Jesy, as she wrote: 'Sending lots of love and prayers.'Jesy's split from Chris was amiable and the couple have shared pleasantries online since the dissolution of their romance in 2020. Love Island star Chris, 33, who dated Jesy from late 2018 until their split in April 2020, joined a chorus of celebrities in commenting on her video, writing: 'A warrior Jess. Be easy on yourself. Sending prayers to you all, everyone behind you guys' Fans lauded him for showing his support, with Instagram users replying to Chris' comment writing: 'just shows what a lovely person you are Chris that you’ve taken time out your day to send a lovely message sending lots of love to all' She was open about her pregnancy and birth strugglesIn her video, the star chronicled the heartbreaking journey leading to the diagnosis, as she discussed the next steps after her mother's concerns. She said they realised the girls were struggling to feed properly, but were reassured by health visitors and GPs that as their babies were born premature they may be delayed in hitting certain milestones and not to compare their children to others.'After the most gruelling three, four months and endless appointments the girls have now been diagnosed with a severe muscular disease - SMA Type 1,' she then explained. 'Once the girls got treated, it was a very rapid process because time is of the essence with this disease,' Jesy said of the twins' treatment plan from Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, adding that there is no cure for SMA.She said the girls have had their treatment over the past few weeks which 'I am so grateful for because without it they will die'. Ocean Jade and Story Monroe were born at just 31 weeks old, after Jesy was diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) 'It has just been endless hospital appointments, I feel like the hospital has become my second home and I feel like I have had to become a nurse because I have to put them on breathing machines and do stuff that no mother should have to do with their child.'Jesy broke down as she admitted: 'The last few months have been the most heartbreaking time of my life. I literally feel like my whole life has done a 360. I almost feel like I am grieving a life I thought I was going to have with my children.'I truly believe my girls will defy all the odds with the right help and do things that have never been done.'She ended her video by explaining she wanted to make the post to help others and raise awareness of early diagnosis in children and the signs to look for which include floppiness in babies, bell-shaped bellies and rapid breathing.She also stressed the need for a heel prick test at birth 'which can literally save their legs, and so many parts of their body'. They announced they were engaged last yearOcean Jade and Story Monroe were born at just 31 weeks old, after Jesy was diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) - a rare condition that can put one or both babies at risk.Before being released from hospital the twins had been receiving treatment in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).Jesy recently opened up about their premature births, telling fans: 'Nothing or no one will ever be able to prepare you as a parent for NICU.'It's the most scary overwhelming feeling of emotions not being able to feel like you can protect your babies.WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHYSpinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a disease that weakens a patient's strength by affecting the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord.Those affected never gain the ability to walk, eat or breathe.SMA is the number one genetic cause of death for infants.It is genetic and passed from parent to child.There are four primary types of SMA—I, II, III and IV, which are based on age of onset and the physical milestones achieved.Type IOnset is shortly after birthWeaknessDifficulty breathing, sucking and swallowingNever reach the developmental milestone of being able to sit on their ownChildren with type 1 SMA can survive for a number of years 'Naturally as a mother you just want to hold them and comfort them when they cry but you can't because there are what feels like a million wires coming out of them and tubes and masks in the way with people poking and prodding them, it breaks your heart into a million pieces.'Having them reunited for the first time ever today was the most magical feeling I will never be able to describe. The strongest little girls I've ever known who really do have the most inspiring story to tell.' In March 2025 during her pregnancy, Jesy had to undergo an emergency procedure after suffering complications and was advised to remain in hospital until she was at least 32 weeks into her pregnancy.Throughout the ordeal, her partner Zion admitted he and Jesy, who was seven months pregnant at the time of her procedure, had 'grown to understand each other on a deeper level'.He told OK!: 'I think it's at these times when you really, really know what love you have and what your relationship means. And I think for me and Jess, this has just taken it to a whole other level of us knowing we are literally made for each other.'He said the couple had also tried to make the hospital as much of a home as possible.He said: 'There's a couch that turns into a bed that we pushed next to the hospital bed, so we've made our own double bed. And it's like we've moved in. The nurses just said, "Oh, my God. It looks so nice in here. It looks so homely."'Jesy announced she was expecting twins with her boyfriend Zion back in January 2025 after rumours they had split.Originally from South London, Zion was born and raised in a Nigerian household by his mother and grew up listening to Gospel music.It was his football coach who then introduced the star to rap influences, and he began listening to Chris Brown, Lil Wayne and Usher. Zion then decided to pursue music, recording his own tunes and sharing them online via SoundCloud.
