Emmerdale actress Laura Norton and partner Mark Jordon arrived in the North East to launch the star-studded Cure Usher Ball which is supported by more than 40 TV and soap celebrities.
North East native Laura who plays Kerry Wyatt in the soap and Mark who previously starred as Daz Spencer have two children, Jesse and Ronnie, who are sufferers of Usher Syndrome.
The disease leaves sufferers blind from birth and losing their sight by the time they move into their teens and are determined to raise awareness and funds to fight the cruel condition.
Their visit came as West Nautical and WATA were announced as headline sponsors for the 2024 Cure Usher Ball in Newcastle on September 21 at The Hilton in Gateshead.
Playing Kerry Wyatt on Emmerdale for twelve years, Laura met her actor partner Mark Jordon on the set of the TV soap, Mark playing the role of Daz Spencer. Mark played PC Bellamy in long running TV series Heartbeat.
After the major success of the inaugural Cure Usher Ball held in Manchester in 2023, Laura and Mark decided to bring the Ball to Newcastle where Laura hails from.
They are both determined to raise the much-needed funds and awareness to find a cure for Ushers Syndrome. The science and talent to find a cure is in place, the funding currently is not, and they are both determined to use their profiles to change that.
Laura Norton said, “This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Cure Usher’s progress and help fund research for Usher Syndrome. This is a night filled with famous faces, dancing, food, prizes, drinks, plenty of fun and jaw dropping ‘money can’t buy’ celebrity filled auction prizes.”
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Usher syndrome is an inherited condition that involves both hearing loss and visual loss caused by Retinitis Pigmentosa. A proportion of patients also experience difficulties with their balance. Usher syndrome is a rare condition that affects about four to 17 in 100,000 people worldwide.
Businesses from around the region have come together to support the effort to raise funds for a cure, including South Shields Marine School, the Bespoke Clinic and Hays Travel.
For more information about the event and the charity visit https://cureushersyndrome.com.
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