Four Emmerdale stars took to the skies over the weekend, completing a wing walk to raise money for Cure Usher, a charity close to their co-stars Laura Norton and Mark Jordon. Lawrence Robb, Jack Downham, Bradley Riches, and Matthew Wolfenden each stood on the wings of a small aircraft while in flight, all in support of Norton and Jordon's children, Jesse and Ronnie, who have been diagnosed with Usher syndrome.
What Is Usher Syndrome?
Usher syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes hearing and vision loss, and currently has no cure. According to the GoFundMe page set up for the challenge, it is the leading cause of genetically inherited dual sensory loss. The funds raised go directly to research for treatments and a potential cure.
Laura Norton and Mark Jordon are patrons of Cure Usher, a charity founded by Jo Milne. Norton previously shared her dedication: "In the beginning, it was about our babies. And then you meet other families going through the same thing and it becomes about everyone else. It's such a rare condition and so many people have never heard of it and this community deserves to have people fighting for them and helping raise funds."
The Challenge and Support
The four actors took on the wing walk at an airfield, with each completing the daring feat. Jack Downham, who admitted to struggling with commercial flights, said before the challenge: "Something Laura Norton said to me was, deaf people rely on their vision, and blind people rely on their hearing, and this charity is doing a lot of work towards a cure, or preventative measures, which could change a lot of lives."
After the event, Downham posted on social media: "Flew on the wing of a plane today for an amazing cause… Thank you to @laura_norts and @markjordondad for the opportunity!!" Norton responded by calling him a "superstar." The actors' collective efforts have drawn widespread support from fans and the Emmerdale community.
How to Support
Donations can be made via the GoFundMe page, with all proceeds going to Cure Usher. The charity focuses on funding research to find treatments for Usher syndrome, which affects both hearing and vision. The actors hope their challenge will raise awareness and bring them closer to a cure for Jesse, Ronnie, and others living with the condition.
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