Former Emmerdale actor Mark Jordon has been left devastated, alongside his co-star fiancée Laura Norton, by the tragic death of one of their colleagues at the age of 60. Mark, best known for his role as Daz Spencer in the ITV soap, and Laura, who played Kerry Wyatt, are engaged in real life. The pair share children Jesse and Ronnie, who have both been diagnosed with Usher syndrome.
It was while posing for pictures for a story in OK! Magazine about the condition that they met photographer David Longstaffe, who later went on to help them with a charity ball to support an Usher syndrome charity – and who has now sadly died at the age of 60.
In a poignant tribute post to the photographer, Mark wrote on Instagram: “Today we lost a dear friend @david_longstaffe. For many people David was a photographer. To us he was so much more than that.
“We first met David on a OK magazine photoshoot. From that very first day he made us feel comfortable, valued and completely at ease. He had a way of turning a shoot in to an experience, full of laughter, stories and warmth.
“When we put on our very first ball for @cureusher, David never hesitated when asked for help. He gave his time, his talent and his heart to the cause. Year after year he captured the moment that mattered the most. The smiles, the celebration, emotions and the people who make our community so special.
“The evening always begins with the red carpet, David had a gift of making everyone feel like they belong there. He put people at ease instantly and never missed a moment.
“Behind the scenes he worked tirelessly, delivering incredible images with incredible speed and professionalism, helping our event run smoothly while creating memories that will last forever. His photographs helped shape the identity of the ball and the wider Cure Usher story.
“The artists, performers ,sponsors and guests, all valued working with him, we were incredibly lucky to call him our friend. I always enjoyed the conversations that came with every shoot or editing session. David would share stories, offer advice and leave you feeling better for having spent time with him.
“He was fascinating, generous and kind. A man with an enormous heart. Someone I trusted completely. Laura and I will always be grateful for the friendship he showed us, and everyone at Cure Usher is thankful for the role he played in helping our charity grow. His contribution went far beyond taking photographs. He helped us tell our story.
“Our thoughts today are with Sharon, who stood beside him through it all, often giving up her weekends to support the work too. The love they shared was obvious to everyone who met them. We send Sharon and all of David’s family our love at this incredibly sad time.
“Thank you, David, for your friendship, your generosity and the countless moments you captured for us all.You will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.”
His wife Laura Norton added: “Beautifully said Mark. I still cannot believe this devastating news. Heart broken. What an unbelievably generous soul. He gave so much wanting nothing in return.
“The love and friendship he showed Mark and I and then our babies when they arrived. He devoted so much time and energy to the charity and I’ll miss his beautiful spirit so much.”
