By now the maternity ward at St George Hospital will have received a thank you note, photos and a fruit basket from the Ashton circus family.
Michelle Jarman, wife of Joseph Ashton and mother of Merrik Ashton, wanted the hospital to know how well her son had done since he was born there on January 6, 1994 and to thank the hospital for bringing him safely into the world.
Michelle, an Adelaide girl who had fallen in love with a circus boy, had chosen St George Hospital for the birth of her second child, who was to join the seventh generation of Ashtons, the oldest circus family in Australia.
The big top just happened to be set up in Sydney when Merrik was on the way, and the St George district seemed a fitting place for the birth.
The Ashtons have a connection to the area.
Joseph Ashton's father Mervyn married Kogarah girl Nikki Hicks, whose father owned Hicks and Cook real estate at Sans Souci.
Unlike Michelle, who joined the circus for love and became a performer, Nikki, a dancer, auditioned for a job with the circus. One thing led to another and she ended up marrying the flying trapeze artist.
Nikki is still with the circus, now called Circus Joseph Ashton, taking charge of costuming and ring announcing.
Her son Joseph was also born at St George Hospital and she is a regular visitor to extended family who still live in St George.
When Merrik came out of hospital with his mum 21 years ago he immediately joined the circus.
"Like all circus children, his home was on the road," Michelle said.
"You begin to learn a trade from the moment you can walk."
Initially not very interested in performing, Merrik found his niche when he was about 13 and hasn't looked back since.
According to the proud mum, one of the highlights of Merrik's life was being selected for The New Generation Circus Festival in Monte Carlo in 2012.
The festival, which has been staged for nearly 40 years, is organised by Princess Stephanie of Monaco.
"Merrik and his older brother Jordan performed two acts that year: a knockabout act, (comedy slapstick) and Merrik's slackwire (balancing on a slack rope)," Michelle said.
"They came away with a bronze clown, the very first Australians to come away with the prestigious award, and first prize by the junior jury.
"You have to understand that this is equivalent to the Olympics in the circus world, and being selected to perform there is an honour in itself."
Merrik's other interests include reading, playing video games and watching Test cricket.
"Merrik is always striving for excellence in his field of circus, which is slackwire, and has achieved a handstand on the slackwire," Michelle said.
"This is a world class trick, and the first for an Australian."
The circus is now in Perth, ready to perform on Australia Day.
