Jess Wright reveals her son needs life-saving heart surgery

In August 2024, Jess Wright, a former star of the reality show TOWIE, revealed that her two-year-old son, Presley, has been diagnosed with a rare congenital heart disease known as Bicuspid Aortic Valve. This condition affects only one percent of the population and means Presley is missing a leaflet in his heart, which will necessitate open-heart surgery at some point in his life. As they navigate this difficult time, Jess and her husband, William Lee-Kemp, are closely monitoring their son's condition through regular check-ups every 8-12 weeks. Each appointment carries the potential of being told that Presley may need immediate surgical intervention, instilling anxiety and fear in the family. During an emotional appearance on the BBC program Morning Live, Jess expressed her fears of not being around to support Presley when he experiences the challenges of living with a heart condition. She revealed that she often feels overwhelmed when filling out forms that indicate lifelong heart disease as a significant concern. Highlighting her determination to be there for her child, she said, "What's scary is that, God forbid I wasn't here, because I'm the one who's going to make sure he's OK." This sentiment captures a mother's love and worry while facing the uncertainty of her child's health. To cope, Jess has actively sought support from other parents of children with heart issues, finding reassurance in their shared experiences. She mentioned that these connections have provided her with the comfort of knowing she is not alone in her struggles. As she builds a community around her, Jess is also keen to share her journey with her followers on social media, where she aims to provide support and information on similar challenges faced by families in the heart community. Furthermore, Jess expressed gratitude for her family's and friends' unwavering support during this challenging time. She aims to engage with charitable organizations, particularly the Brompton Fountain children's charity, to contribute to fundraising efforts while raising awareness about congenital heart diseases. Their journey is ongoing, but with hope and a supportive community, they are finding ways to navigate the unknown territory of their son's medical needs.