Usher syndrome causes deafness or hearing loss, and an eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Sometimes, it also causes problems with balance.<\/p>\n
People with the disease tend to get diagnosed as children or teenagers and while there is no cure for it, there are treatments to help manage vision, hearing and balance problems..<\/p>\n
\u2018My intuition told me there was a serious problem [with Ronnie] and I was in tears at the thought of it,\u2019 Laura\u00a0revealed in a previous episode of Loose Women.<\/p>\n
However, they didn\u2019t know it was Usher syndrome specifically until Laura was pregnant with their second child.<\/p>\n
The couple have been determined since to find a cure for the disease, supporting the charity and raising both awareness and funds. <\/p>\n
![\"Mark](\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/0_Celebs-Attend-Emmerdale-Laura-Nortons-And-Mark-Jordons-Usher-Charity-Ball-At-The-Hilton-Hotel-In-M-28e4-e1695727622434.webp?quality=90&strip=all&zoom=1&resize=540%2C372\")
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This week, they held the Usher Ball, which was supported by a range of celebrities, including many of their Emmerdale cast mates from Danny Miller and Sammy Winward, to Matthew Wolfenden and Zoe Henry. <\/p>\n
Speaking to Metro.co.uk at the packed event, the pair outlined their mission as they continue to fight the fight. <\/p>\n
\u2018CUREUsher is a charity that supports funding and research for Usher Syndrome, which both of our children were diagnosed with, and we\u2019re on a mission to change the world,\u2019 fiercely determined mum Laura declared. <\/p>\n
\u2018When we first got the diagnosis, we had never heart of it,\u2019 Mark continued. None of friends of family had \u2013 we have learnt as we have went along, it\u2019s a very rare condition and unique disease.<\/p>\n
\u2018Our idea with CUREUsher is to make that change, try and raise as much awareness. We have a platform and we will do everything we can.\u2019<\/p>\n
Addressing the love and support they have had, Laura said: \u2018We have called on every friend we have, asked them to get here, and every single one has.<\/p>\n
\u2018I\u2019m really emotional tonight seeing it all come together and seeing how many people love and care.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2018It\u2019s really powerful to have such friends,\u2019 Mark smiled. \u2018It\u2019s a joyous thing. And there are so many people working behind the scenes giving hours of advice and help. We\u2019re very lucky!\u2019<\/p>\n
Mark jokingly added: \u2018I am going to be cleaning cars and cleaning up dog poo for years to come. We\u2019re really, really grateful. We just want to help our kiddies, it\u2019s time we stood up and did something.\u2019<\/p>\n