Former The Only Way is Essex star Jess Wright has revealed that her son has a heart condition in an emotional post.
She and her husband William Lee-Kemp welcomed baby son Presley in 2022, and Jess has now opened up about the major health issue on Instagram, admitting she has been "apprehensive & nervous" about sharing it.
"I knew that once I shared it, it would become even more real, but ultimately I couldn't hide away from the reality anymore & I would love to also raise awareness," Jess began the caption, which accompanied a black-and-white photo of Presley.
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"A few months ago we learned that our son Presley has a congenital heart disease called 'Bicuspid Aortic Valve'. Something he was born with & happens to a small 1% of us.
"Essentially, instead of having three leaflets in his aortic valve, like most, he only has two. This condition affects how blood flows from the heart to the rest of the body and will require monitoring & care over time."
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The star further explained that the condition is not fatal, though they are "coming to terms with the fact that our son will need intervention at least twice in his life".
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"By intervention I mean open heart surgery," she elaborated. "Saying those words out loud physically hurts my soul, hence why for a few months we have been coping with this news & trying to navigate it.
"We have been, & will be monitoring Presleys heart closely with doctors every 8-12 weeks, hoping & praying every time we go, that we get the results we need. Ultimately, he will then have intervention when necessary, but the older he can be for that, the better."
Jess went on to say that their son is "strong and resilient", and that "with the help of modern day medicine, Presley will live as normal life as the next child, we hope & pray".
She also admitted she wanted to use social media to both share and receive information, as well as "express my feelings, find answers to questions, & provide much-needed support and knowledge to others in need".
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"I would love to hear from any other parents who are navigating this unknown & very scary territory, as knowledge is power & it is a comfort to know that we are not alone," she continued.
"We are so grateful for the love and support from our family, friends, and this amazing community.
"Thank you for your positive thoughts, prayers, & for helping us raise awareness about heart health. I will be chatting to the Brompton Fountain children's charity too, & hopefully helping as best I can in their fundraising, along the way. Wishing you all a lovely bank holiday Monday @thebromptonfountain."
Jess has since received many supportive comments, with the Brompton Foundation writing: "We are very grateful for your support and are really looking forward to working with you."
"Aww Jess, sending tons of positive thoughts your way," one follower wrote, while another added: "Thinking of you Jess. Sending you all lots of love."
Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
