Emmerdale’s Laura Norton Thanks Fans Amid Life-Changing Fight for Her Children
Emmerdale star Laura Norton has delivered an emotional message of gratitude after hosting a major fundraising event for Usher syndrome — a cause incredibly close to her heart.
A Personal Battle for Laura and Mark
Laura, who has played Kerry Wyatt in Emmerdale since 2012, is engaged to former co-star Mark Jordon (Daz Spencer). Together, they share two children, Jesse and Ronnie.
Both children have been diagnosed with Usher syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes combined hearing and vision loss. While hearing aids and cochlear implants can help with hearing, there is currently no treatment for the associated vision loss caused by retinitis pigmentosa.
“It was about our babies at first,” Laura previously explained. “Then you meet other families going through the same thing and it becomes about everyone else. This community deserves to have people fighting for them.”
The Cure Usher Ball
Last weekend, Laura and Mark hosted the Cure Usher ball in Manchester, a disco-themed event designed to raise both awareness and vital funds for research. They were joined by their Emmerdale co-stars in a night filled with performances, auctions, and emotional speeches.
Taking to Instagram afterwards, Laura admitted the event had been ten months in the making, writing:
“I never thought Mark and I would end up having to add event organisers to our CV, but after a double diagnosis of Usher syndrome for our children we knew we had to do something.”
She added: “With funding we could see a treatment within the decade — something that would slow down or stop the progression of vision loss. That’s the dream. And can you imagine the impact that would have on the person and their families? LIFE CHANGING.”
“Thank You from the Bottom of Our Hearts”
Laura poured out her gratitude to everyone who supported the cause, from sponsors and prize donors to attendees and performers.
“So THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts. To all our friends and families — we see you and have never felt so supported. We are so proud to eventually tell our children what you all have and are doing for them.”
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Support From Co-Stars
The post quickly drew love from her Emmerdale family, with Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle) commenting: “So proud of you both. Gorgeous people.” Meanwhile, Michelle Hardwick (Vanessa Woodfield) praised the night as “an incredible” achievement.
Hope for the Future
Laura and Mark have vowed to continue their fight for research funding, determined to give their children — and thousands of others living with Usher syndrome — a brighter future.
As Laura wrote: “Thank you from us four and the whole Usher community. And on we go… see you next year.”