Emmerdale’s Laura Norton launched a new initiative after the birth of her daughter that aims to collect money for the CureUsher charity.
The actress, who is most known for playing Kerry Wyatt, and her co-star Mark Jordon, who portrayed Daz Spencer, have two children together.
Son Jesse and daughter Ronnie, who was born in October 2022, are the couple’s only children, and both of them have Usher Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that impairs hearing and vision.
In February of this year, Laura and Mark made the news public. Laura revealed that they initially suspected anything was off when Jesse failed hearing tests in 2021.
In an earlier episode of Loose Women, Laura said, “My intuition told me there was a serious problem and I was in tears at the thought of it.”
However, it wasn’t until Laura was expecting their second child that they discovered it was exactly Usher syndrome.
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an eye condition, and deafness or hearing loss are two conditions associated with Usher syndrome. It occasionally also leads to balance issues.
Usher syndrome is often diagnosed in children or adolescents, and while there is no known cure, there are therapies available to assist manage balance, vision, and hearing issues.
Laura and Mark are presently collaborating on a project they are dubbing the “Cure Usher Charity Ball” in an effort to increase awareness of the condition and financial support for the study.
On her Instagram, Laura posted a promotional image for the major event and added the following caption:
‘We’re so excited to share with you all the news that we will be hosting a benefit ball at the Hilton Deansgate Manchester on September 23 with all revenues going to @cureusher. We already have a fantastic night in store. The evening will be hosted by the fantastically funny @justinmoorhouse, who will also be the night’s headliner along with the incredibly gifted @joemcelderryofficial.
Drinks, a three-course meal, famous visitors, a raffle and auction, more entertainment, and lots of dancing will be provided. We are on a personal mission to raise awareness for the urgent need for funding in Usher Syndrome research. Your assistance can actually effect change.
“Please join us for a fun-filled night at the disco. We really appreciate your support and look forward to meeting you there.
Laura’s Emmerdale character, Kerry, is presently working on a cruise ship while she is on maternity leave.
This happened after Al (Michael Wildman) was slain by Kyle (Huey Quinn), Cain’s (Jeff Hordley) little son.
