Dawn Cunningham

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Dawn Cunningham is a fictional character from the soap Hollyoaks, played by Lisa Williamson. She was one of the show’s original characters, arriving in 1995 as the first member of the Cunningham family. Dawn is a student who also works in an interior design shop and helps look after her younger siblings while dealing with her mother Angela’s troubled relationship with a new partner.

Key storylines:
- Teenage pregnancy: At 16, Dawn has a relationship with Jack Osborne and gives birth to a daughter, Bethany, who is put up for adoption. Years later she learns she has a daughter and Jambo Bolton helps her find her. Their friendship eventually becomes something more.
- Illness and death: In 1997 Dawn is diagnosed with leukemia. She undergoes chemotherapy, and a bone marrow transplant is considered. Her sister Jude is a potential donor, but Dawn ultimately receives a transplant from Jack Osborne, which is successful. Dawn dies in Jambo's arms on Christmas Day 1997, the same day her niece Holly Cunningham is born.

Character notes:
Dawn is described as spirited, independent and caring. She faced family problems and difficult relationships, and her death is remembered as a memorable moment on the show.