Zion Foster has spoken publicly for the first time since his split from Jesy Nelson, sharing a deeply emotional message about their baby daughter as the family continues to face the devastating reality of a rare diagnosis.
The 26-year-old musician welcomed twin daughters, Ocean and Story, with Jesy in May 2025. But their relationship ended shortly after the couple revealed that both girls had been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 (SMA), a severe genetic condition that affects muscle strength and movement.
In a touching Instagram post on Tuesday evening, Zion shared a video of daughter Story lying on her baby mat, gently encouraging her as she tried to push herself up. Alongside the clip, he wrote that he was “proud of you always, Story bear, my lil fighter,” a short line that instantly resonated with fans following the family’s painful journey.
In the background of the video, Zion could be heard softly urging his daughter on, asking her whether she was going to push up, capturing an intimate moment of determination and hope amid uncertainty.
Just days before news of their split emerged, Zion had publicly praised Jesy’s strength, describing her as “the definition of a superwoman” and insisting that “we are all one.” He also used his platform to support Jesy’s growing campaign, calling for SMA testing to be carried out at birth across the UK, now that life-changing treatments are available. He said the situation was indefensible and needed to change, thanking the SMA community and those living with unique challenges for standing alongside them.
Jesy, 34, has since spoken candidly about grieving the life she once imagined for her children, admitting the diagnosis has changed everything. Despite the heartbreak of their separation, sources say she and Zion remain close and fully united in co-parenting, with their sole focus on giving their daughters the best possible quality of life.
Appearing on This Morning earlier this week, Jesy met with Health Secretary Wes Streeting to push for SMA to be added to the newborn heel-prick screening test. Fighting back tears, she explained how early diagnosis could mean the difference between a child walking or ending up in a wheelchair, adding that no parent should ever have to face such a choice.
Though newly single, Jesy is said to be determined to continue her campaign while navigating motherhood, insisting she wants to be her daughters’ mum, not their nurse, as she looks ahead to an uncertain but fiercely fought future.
