London 14°C 17 km/h wind Updated 9:30 am
HomeMNN UK
MNN UK · January 10, 2026 · 1 min read

Man with muscle disease SMA celebrates 25th birthday against odds

What happened: Ben Morris, diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), has reached 25 years old despite early predictions he might not survive past two. His story follows singer Jessy Nelson of Little Mix, who recently spoke about living with SMA.

Why it matters:

  • Highlights advances in care and awareness for rare muscle diseases
  • Offers hope and visibility to others living with SMA and their families

MNN Take: Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic condition affecting muscle strength, often with severe early prognosis. Stories like Ben's show progress in managing the disease and the importance of raising awareness.

Sources: BBC UK