The SMA testing campaign spearheaded by Jesy Nelson and backed by the Mirror has led to a breakthrough – but this didn’t happen by chance
Expanding testing must now be the goal – no family should be left behind
It is a powerful and deeply encouraging victory and proof of what the Mirror’s determined campaigning can achieve.
Alongside Jesy Nelson, we have fought tirelessly to get newborns tested for spinal muscular atrophy, and now hundreds of thousands of babies will benefit from that effort.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting deserves real credit for listening and accelerating the rollout. But this breakthrough did not happen by chance.
It is the direct result of pressure, persistence and a refusal to let this issue be ignored – driven by families, campaigners, and the Mirror shining a light where it mattered most.
And the impact cannot be overstated. Early diagnosis can transform lives, giving children access to treatments that can prevent irreversible damage before it begins.
There is still more to do. Expanding testing to every baby must now be the goal, so no family is left behind. Jesy’s story is a stark reminder of what is at stake and why urgency matters. It is a major win. Now it must be finished.
Families of missing people deserve compassion, respect and support
Families of missing people are already living through unimaginable pain. To then face vile abuse online is not just cruel, it is indefensible.
Our Missed campaign is shining a vital light on such toxic behaviour and demanding the action it has long required. Sir Keir Starmer is right to join us and to insist that social media firms step up.
The law is clear. It must be enforced, platforms must be held accountable, and those who hide behind anonymity to spread abuse must be stopped.
Behind every case is a family searching for answers, clinging to hope. They deserve compassion, respect and support, not cruelty. It is time to stamp this out, once and for all.
Hope raised high must be treated responsibly
A life-changing bookmaker’s win turned into a difficult ordeal for John Riding, as joy quickly gave way to uncertainty with serious consequences for his health.
While errors can happen, they must be handled with care and clarity. When hope is raised so high, it deserves to be treated responsibly, and we trust a fair, compassionate resolution can be found.