Emmerdale star Laura Norton has revealed a rare genetic disorder that affects both of her children with co-star Mark Jordon.
The Kerry Wyatt actress has shared the details of the condition that affects the couple’s children, Jesse and Ronnie.
Both children have a condition that affects their hearing and sight.
After her interview with Hello! magazine was released, Laura’s Emmerdale family rushed to send their support.
Laura Norton reveals children’s rare genetic disorder
Laura Norton who plays Kerry Wyatt in Emmerdale and co-star Mark Jordon who played Daz Spencer, have two children together.
They have a two-year-old son called Jesse and a four-month-old daughter called Ronnie.
Speaking to Hello!, Mark Jordon revealed that both children have a rare genetic disorder.
They both have Usher Syndrome.
The couple are now speaking out about the condition to raise awareness.
On choosing to speak out about their children’s disorder, Mark explained: “We’ve agonised about doing this before we’ve even told our children about their condition.”
He then went on to note: “But we would never forgive ourselves if we did nothing when we could be making changes that would help them and other children. So we’re going to write them a letter to explain why we did this…”
Mark then stated that it was somewhat comforting knowing that both children have got each other to support them through managing the disorder.
“Although it was devastating when Ronnie was diagnosed with the same condition as her brother, it was comforting that neither of them will go through this on their own; that they’ve got each other. As they grow up, Jesse will be the best influence and support for her.”
The couple started noticing the signs of the syndrome shortly after the children were born.
Now, Laura and Mark’s children need to wear hearing aids for all of their lives.
What is Usher Syndrome?
Usher Syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects the hearing, sight and balance.
Symptoms usually worsen over the years, with many patients suffering from low vision with some turning completely blind as they progress through adulthood.
There are three different types of Usher Syndrome, with Type 1 being the most severe.
The disorder is caused by changes to a child’s genes.
Usher Syndrome is usually diagnosed through hearing, sight, balance and genetic testing.
It can take years for symptoms to appear before a child is diagnosed with the disorder.
The condition affects between four and 17 people in 100,000.
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Raising awareness
The Kerry Wyatt actress posted a message on social media to her fans after the magazine interview was released.
She said: “To everyone reading, firstly, Thank you. It hasn’t been easy making the decision to share this for a few different reasons.
“But, after months of deliberating we came to the conclusion that the only way forward was to talk about it so we shared our story with the lovely people at Hello! who are helping us raise awareness.”
Laura then went on to say the children had both been diagnosed within the last year.
“We are on a journey, and learning as we go,” she said.
“There are three main types of usher affecting hearing, vision and balance variably.”
They have joined forces with charity Cure Usher to find a cure.
“It’s now our mission to do everything we can to spread the word and make this more known.
“We also want anyone out there living with ushers or those that know someone that has the condition to know that they are not alone and we are here for the community to comfort and support.”
The actress continued: “Our children are incredible. Already thriving in the face of adversity and we will devote ourselves to doing everything in our power to finding treatment and a cure. Trials are ready to go but the condition is so rare and unheard of it doesn’t have the support and funding to move at the rate that it could.
“We’re asking you to please take a minute to look at and follow the charity and become as aware with this condition as you can and we can start a conversation.”
Emmerdale co-stars of Laura Norton send support
Laura’s friends and co-stars rushed to share their support.
Charley Webb, who played Debbie Dingle said: “No words for how proud I am of you.”
Sammy Winward, who was the late Katie Sugden added: “You are both truly amazing and I can’t even begin to tell you how proud I am. Love you all so much xxx.”
Meanwhile, Amy Walsh (Tracy Metcalfe), Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle) and Gemma Atkinson (Carly Hope) all shared heart emojis. Roxi Shahidi, who plays Leyla Harding shared the post to her Stories with the caption: “So proud of this incredibly brave woman.”
Read more: Complete Emmerdale cast list 2023 – meet them all here!
Emmerdale usually airs on weekdays at 7.30pm, with an hour long episode on Thursdays.
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