Supporting the Cure Usher Ball: Raising Awareness Through Art

On Saturday 27th September 2025, the Cure Usher Ball will take place at the Manchester Deansgate hotel in Manchester. The event is being organised by actors Mark Jordon and Laura Norton, who are passionately raising awareness and vital funds for Usher Syndrome after both of their children, Jesse and Ronnie, were diagnosed with the condition. 

What is Usher Syndrome?

Usher Syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes a combination of hearing and vision loss, and in some cases, balance problems. Currently there are 3 types of this.

The vision loss associated with Usher Syndrome is caused by Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a disease of the retina cells in the back of the eye that affects light sensitivity. Symptoms often begin with night blindness and progress to tunnel vision, eventually causing severe sight loss. Tragically, there is currently no cure.

For Mark and Laura’s children, Usher Syndrome means they will eventually lose both their hearing and their vision – an unimaginable challenge for any family. But instead of facing it in silence, they are using their public platform to spread awareness and push forward the fight for change.

As Mark movingly explained:

"We’ve been given these two children, who are wonderful, but they need assistance to organise their future. We’ve got a platform that we can raise this awareness and there’s no way we’re not going to use it. We’ve got to keep fighting for change."

Headline Entertainment

The Cure Usher Ball promises to be an unforgettable evening, with an incredible line-up of live entertainment and celebrity guests.

• Host: The brilliant Justin Moorhouse returns to host the evening, bringing his trademark wit and energy.

• Opening Performance: Local Manchester choir She Choir will kick things off with funky classics to set the tone.

• Special Music Set: Chelsea Halfpenny will deliver a striking disco set to get the party started.

• Headline Act: The star attraction of the evening is none other than powerhouse vocalist Alexandra Burke – the celebrated X Factor winner and Brit Award-winning artist, guaranteed to dazzle the room.

• Resident DJ & House Poet: To close the night, the House Poet returns with solid beats to keep the celebration alive.

Supporting Through Art

Alongside the entertainment and fundraising, the evening will feature an auction to raise vital funds. I am honoured to be contributing as Mr. Sly by donating a custom 3D artwork, created exclusively for this event. My hope is that it not only raises significant funds but also helps shine a light on this rare condition, encouraging more people to learn, share, and support.

Why It Matters

Awareness is everything. Usher Syndrome is still little known, and yet it affects families deeply, stripping away senses that most of us take for granted. With greater awareness comes more funding, more research, and ultimately, the hope of a breakthrough for children like Jesse and Ronnie and many others across the world.

This cause is close to my heart, and I’m proud to support Mark and Laura in their mission.

If you’d like to learn more about the event or how you can help, visit the official event page here: Cure Usher Ball

Together, we can raise awareness, raise funds, and raise hope.