A number of Emmerdale cast members have gone the extra mile to raise money for Cure Usher – a charity close to their hearts – participating in a sponsored arm walk.
Bradley Riches, Jack Downham, Lawrence Robb AND Matthew Wolfenden joined Cure Usher partner and patron Mark Jordon for the fundraising challenge, along with seven other intrepid participants.
“There were twelve of us doing the arm walk,” Mark said subway. “Two from Denmark who were coming to help raise funds because their little one was just diagnosed with Usher Syndrome.
“We also had three cochlear implants worn by pedestrians and two with Usher Syndrome, plus our four Emmerdale boys.
And they weren’t the only ones making the trip to Leeds East Airport, with the Emmerdale stars Laura Norton AND Katie Hill being supported by the ground.
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“With local families stopping by for a few hours or plane watching while eating at the cafe, we all had an audience as we prepared ourselves for our individual flights,” said star Daz Spencer.
What is Usher Syndrome?
Usher syndrome is a rare genetic condition. It causes a combination of hearing and vision loss. In some cases it can affect the balance.
The condition is categorized into three subtypes depending on the severity of the hearing loss and whether there is any difficulty with balance.
With Usher Syndrome type 1, hearing loss tends to occur from birth. It is usually heavy to the core. Vision loss tends to start around age 10, and balance problems can occur from birth.
In Usher Syndrome Type 2, hearing loss tends to occur from birth. It is usually moderate to severe. Vision loss usually begins in the mid-late teens. With Usher Syndrome Type 2 there are no balance problems.
In Usher Syndrome Type 3, the hearing loss is progressive. It tends to be normal at birth. Vision loss usually begins in the mid-teens. Balance issues with the Usher Type 3 are variable.
You can learn more by visiting Cure Usher’s website.
But what is it like to stand in the back of a plane? According to Mark, it is an ‘ethereal’ experience.
“I felt very privileged to be in the air and occupy that space at that moment. At one point, I looked down as we crossed the fields and saw the shadow of the biplane with little me at the top of the shadow.
“I waved and pretended to swim and breakdancing with my arms. I was so happy. It felt peaceful and calm and very ethereal.’
He went on to describe how, on landing, he was met by partner Laura, who plays Kerry Wyatt in the ITV soap, and their two children, Jesse, five, and Ronnie, three, and were ‘beaming from ear to ear’.
“What a beautiful time it was in the air in the back of that plane.”
Other Emmerdale stars had an equally enjoyable experience, with Noah Dingle’s co-star Jack sharing his disappointment that he wasn’t able to perform any loops.
Despite appearing nervous before take off (understandably so!), Jack was eager to climb back up after landing.
“I asked the pilot if I could do some rings and he said you have to do that on your second flight. I was upset,” Jack said.
Having previously taken part in a wing walk with pilot Martyn, Hollyoaks star Matthew, who previously played David Metcalfe in Emmerdale, got the chance to experience some aerial acrobatics.
“The plane kept flying higher and higher to get a good depth for the loops,” recalled Mark, after watching the flight from the observation deck.
Mathew was just a speck on top of the tiny plane and high up in the sky when it plunged at breakneck speed towards the ground. Then suddenly the whole plane pitched up into the sky and proceeded to do about six loops, one after the other!’
Matthew was greeted with a standing ovation during the landing after the dramatic performance and when asked if he would recommend the experience to anyone wanting to take part in the next Cure Usher arm walk event, he said: ‘Absolutely! This is amazing! Everyone must go!’
Cure Usher is an extremely important cause to Mark and Laura, whose young The children were both diagnosed with Usher Syndrome in 2023. Since then, they have dedicated their time to raising money and awareness for the charity, hosting various events such as the Cure Usher Ball.
Along the way, their Emmerdale co-stars have continued to show their support, and Mark and Laura told him subway how much this meant to them when we sat down with them in 2024.
“We’ve been more than aware, since the beginning of our personal journey, of the number of people who have stepped forward without any hesitation from work and just committed to sharing that journey with us,” said Mark.
“These people are sharing and committing to everything they can to help us. There are people saying what they plan to do for the charity later and it’s incredible.
“Everybody has their own lives to live and their own problems, but people have put up with this just because we’re part of their family in the workplace and that’s what they want to do for us, for our kids, and that’s amazing.”
It seems that the inaugural arm walk event has already proved to be a huge fundraising success.
“I think we’ve raised over £13,000 and it’s still going up,” revealed Mark.
“We have two more days booked for next year and already half the places are taken. I would recommend anyone who is interested to do this because, as my flight description will tell you, it is beautiful!’
For more information and to register for next year’s Cure Usher arm walk, visit their website here.
