Singer Zion Foster, ex-fiancé of Jesy Nelson, said he remains “committed” to their daughters following the recent announcement of their separation.
His statement comes after he previously admitted feeling "out of my depth" when their twin girls, Ocean Jade and Story Monroe Nelson, were diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare condition causing progressive muscle weakness.
Foster’s comments regarding the end of his relationship and his dedication to his children were made ahead of Nelson’s upcoming documentary, Jesy Nelson: Life Changing, which chronicles her campaign to reform UK newborn screening legislation.
He said in an Instagram story shared on Wednesday: “When I said I was ‘out of my depth’ I wasn’t saying I was walking away from my children or abandoning my responsibilities as a father. I was talking about the overwhelming reality of suddenly facing a rare and complex medical diagnosis that I knew nothing about.
“I love my girls more than words could ever express. They are my world and always will be”.
He also explained that the end of their relationship was Nelson’s decision, adding that: “Although I respect that, it does not change the fact that I remain committed to my daughters in every way I possibly can.
“This journey has been heartbreaking for all of us. Nobody prepares you for news like this, and we’re all navigating it in our own way.”
The pair revealed the news that their daughters, who were born prematurely in May last year, were diagnosed with the condition and likely to never be able to walk.
He added: “I feel the pain alongside Jesy because these are our children, and I will always want what’s best for them.
“Please don’t mistake vulnerability for abandonment.
“Asking for help or admitting you don’t have all the answers doesn’t make someone a bad father. It makes them human.”
According to the NHS, SMA causes muscle weakness, movement problems, issues with breathing and swallowing, muscle tremors, and bone and joint problems.
Since the twins’ diagnosis, Nelson has been campaigning for the condition to be added to the newborn blood spot screening test as early treatment can help avoid some of its most devastating effects.
The documentary series has been billed by Prime Video as a “raw and powerful” look at Nelson as she “comes to terms with what the diagnosis means for her girls, adapts to the everyday challenges of their conditions, and finds her footing as a single mother after the break-up of her relationship”.
Jesy Nelson: Life Changing will be released on 17 July on Prime Video.
