Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Ryan Paton

Usher syndrome symptoms as Emmerdale's Laura Norton shares children's rare diagnosis

Emmerdale stars Laura Norton and Mark Jordon have revealed their two children have been diagnosed with a rare genetic condition.

The soap stars are the proud parents of two children named Jesse and Ronnie. Mark is renowned for his role as Daz Spencer in the show and revealed how both children have been diagnosed with Usher syndrome, a condition that impacts both hearing and vision.

He told Hello! Magazine: "We've agonised about doing this before we've even told our children about their condition... we're going to write them a letter to explain why we did this and show then when they're old enough to understand."

READ MORE: What Little Ant and Dec look like now as Saturday Night Takeaway returns

Usher syndrome is genetic and the two soap star parents were told they were both carriers of the gene which causes the condition. Laura, known for her role as Kerry Wyatt, opened up on her devastation as she said: "My intuition told me there was a serious problem and I was in tears at the thought of it. Knowing that we'd passed this on to our son was heartbreaking." She added: "To watch our little boy enjoy the world around him yet know so much will be taken from him, was painful."

Jesse now wears a hearing aid and the couple are looking to raise awareness and help other parents with children who have been diagnosed with the condition. Mark will be lobbying MPs in Parliament this week about raising awareness of Usher syndrome and campaign for funding.

The NHS defines Usher syndrome as a "a genetic condition that affects hearing, vision and balance". Sense is a charity that supports children who are deaf and have listed some of the symptoms associated with the condition.

Symptoms of Usher syndrome

Hearing loss

Sight loss

Balance problems

Cataracts

Leakage of blood vessels in the retina causes swelling of the macula

Usher syndrome is diagnosed through a variety of measures including hearing tests, sight tests, balance tests and genetic testing. You can find out more information on Sense's official website here

Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here

For more celeb news, videos and pictures follow our designated Facebook page HERE

Matalan shoppers 'need' its 'pretty' £27 dress that's 'perfect for a wedding'

Emmerdale Sammy Winward declares love for former co-star on special day

Aldi shoppers obsessed with 'insane' snack that's £2 cheaper than M&S

A Place in the Sun host declares 'fight' with buyers

Tesco's £6 product will banish mould on silicone and sealant

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.