Several Emmerdale cast members took part in a sponsored wing walk to raise money for Cure Usher, a charity close to their hearts. Bradley Riches, Jack Downham, Lawrence Robb, and Matthew Wolfenden joined co-star and Cure Usher patron Mark Jordon for the challenge, alongside seven other participants.
“There were twelve of us in total doing the wing walk,” Mark told Metro. “Two from Denmark who’d come to help raise funds because their little one has just been diagnosed with Usher Syndrome. We also had three cochlear implant wearing walkers and two with Usher Syndrome, plus our four Emmerdale boys.”
Emmerdale stars Laura Norton and Katie Hill supported from the ground at Leeds East airport. Local families also watched from the café as the participants braced for their flights.
What is Usher Syndrome?
Usher Syndrome is a rare genetic condition causing a combination of hearing and vision loss, and in some cases balance problems. It is categorised into three subtypes: Type 1 involves severe to profound hearing loss from birth, vision loss around age 10, and balance problems; Type 2 involves moderate to severe hearing loss from birth, vision loss in mid to late teens, and no balance problems; Type 3 involves progressive hearing loss, normal hearing at birth, vision loss from mid teens, and variable balance problems.
The Experience of a Wing Walk
Mark described the experience as “ethereal.” He said, “I felt so privileged to be in the air and occupying that space at that moment. At one point, I looked down as we passed the fields and I could see the shadow of the biplane with little old me on top of the shadow. I waved, I pretended to swim and I did breakdancing with my arms. I was so happy. I found it to be peaceful and still and very ethereal.”
On landing, he was met by partner Laura Norton and their two children, Jesse, five, and Ronnie, three, and was “beaming ear to ear.”
Noah Dingle actor Jack Downham shared his disappointment at not being able to perform loops. “I asked the pilot if I could do some loop the loops and he said you have to do it on your second flight. I was gutted,” Jack said.
Matthew Wolfenden, who previously played David Metcalfe, did get to experience aerial acrobatics. Mark recalled watching from the observation deck: “The plane kept flying higher and higher to get a good depth for the loops. Mathew was just a small dot on top of the small plane and very high up in the sky when it dived at breakneck speed towards the ground. Then suddenly the whole plane arched upwards back to the sky and proceeded to do about six loop the loops, one after the other!”
Matthew was met with a huge cheer on landing and said of the experience: “Definitely! That is amazing! Everybody should have a go!”
Fundraising Success
Mark and Laura’s children were both diagnosed with Usher Syndrome in 2023, making Cure Usher a deeply personal cause. Their Emmerdale co-stars have consistently supported their fundraising efforts.
“I think we’ve raised over £13,000 and it’s still going up,” Mark revealed. “We have two more days booked in for next year and already half of the places are taken. I would recommend that everybody who is interested do this because, as my description of my flight will tell you, it’s beautiful!”
