The family of a woman who once led the Morning and Evening Dance on Flora Day will dance in her honour this year.  

This year, Kerry Thomas, Aaron Thomas, Naomi Bovey, and Justin Spargo will dance as a family in the Midday to honour Dawn Strike, who sadly passed away on December 16, 2022, at the age of 61.

Falmouth Packet: Dawn's children Naomi (L) Kerry (MR) and Aaron with Justin Spargo, Dawn's newphew Dawn's children Naomi (L) Kerry (MR) and Aaron with Justin Spargo, Dawn's newphew (Image: Kerry Thomas)

One of the highlights of Dawn’s life was in 1994 when she was invited to lead the Morning and Evening Dance with her nephew Justin Spargo who she had danced with in previous years. Dawn also took part in the Midday and danced with a family friend.

Falmouth Packet: Dawn and Justin leading the Seven and Five in 1994 Dawn and Justin leading the Seven and Five in 1994 (Image: Strike Family)

Dawn’s love for Flora Day was also shown on the day of her funeral, with a performance of the Flora Day tune by members of Porthleven Town Band.

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Two years after her death, and on the 30th anniversary of her leading the Morning and Evening Dance, Dawn’s three children Kerry, Naomi and Aaron will be dancing the Midday for the first time in their lives along with their cousin Justin, Dawn’s partner in 1994.  

The family discussed applying for the Midday last year but felt it was ‘too raw’ so soon after their mother's death.

Falmouth Packet: Dawn and Justin dancing the Morning and Evening another year Dawn and Justin dancing the Morning and Evening another year (Image: Strike Family)

However, this year the family decided to just ‘go for it’ and applied for two special reasons,

Kerry explained: “It was always mum’s wish to see us dance, but we could never get us all together.

“My brother’s got the same disease that mum had [Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease], and this is really the only year he is going to be able to do it as he’s declining now and he’s only 33."

The mother of triplets explained that although she is feeling ‘terrified’ about dancing in the Midday, she said it all felt very ‘emotional.’

Falmouth Packet: Dawn also participated in the Midday Dance Dawn also participated in the Midday Dance (Image: Strike Family)

Dawn’s other daughter Naomi added: “I cannot wait to honour my mum in a tradition that she absolutely adored and took so much pride in being a part of.

“One of the highlights of her life was being asked to lead the Seven and Five”.