May 31st 2024.
Emmerdale stars Mark Jordon and Laura Norton, widely recognized for their roles as Daz Spencer and Kerry Wyatt on the popular ITV soap, were overcome with emotions as they were praised by their co-stars for their inspiring actions. The couple's children, three-year-old son Jesse and one-year-old daughter Ronnie, have both been diagnosed with Usher syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects vision, hearing, and balance and does not currently have a cure.
After the news broke, Mark and Laura were approached by the charity CUREUsher, whose main mission is to raise awareness and fund research for the syndrome. The couple was honored to be asked to become Patrons and eagerly accepted the role. In the season finale of ITVBe's Drama Queens, actress Amy Walsh, who portrays Tracy Metcalfe on Emmerdale, raised a toast to the couple, commending them for their incredible work.
"We wanted to congratulate you both for the amazing work you've done. You're an inspiration to everyone around this table, but most importantly, you're an inspiration to your two babies," she said. "We are so proud of the work you've done, and we will continue to support and assist you in any way we can."
Mark and Laura are determined to use their platform to raise awareness and funds for Usher syndrome. Actress Roxy Shahidi, who played Leyla Harding on the soap, also expressed her admiration for the couple, saying, "There are things that wouldn't have happened if you two hadn't been brave enough to stand up, own it publicly, and still put yourselves out there to help others."
In February of last year, Laura and Mark publicly shared their family's struggle with Usher syndrome. Laura revealed that they first noticed something was different with their son in 2021 when he failed hearing tests. "My intuition told me there was a serious problem, and I was in tears at the thought of it," Laura shared in a previous episode of Loose Women. However, it wasn't until Laura was pregnant with their second child that they received a specific diagnosis of Usher syndrome.
Usher syndrome can cause deafness or hearing loss, as well as an eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa. It is often diagnosed in children or teenagers, and while there is currently no cure, there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms.
To further support the cause and raise funds for research, Laura and Mark collaborated on a project called the "Cure Usher Charity Ball." Their dedication and efforts have not gone unnoticed, and their colleagues and fans alike have shown their support for their admirable actions.
In other news, Emmerdale spoilers reveal Matty will stand up against transphobia, while Coronation Street confirms an arrest in a murder case and Emmerdale introduces a new storyline involving a secret about Ella.
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