Football pro-turned-reality star announces tragic death of daughter
Former pro footballer-turned-reality star Ashley Cain has announced the devastating death of his eight-month-old daughter Azaylia.
Cain announced on social media on Sunday that Azaylia died after battling a rare, aggressive form of cancer.
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“Rest In Paradise Princess,” Cain wrote on Sunday alongside a photo of him holding his daughter.
“I will always hold you in my heart until I can hold you again in heaven.”
Cain's partner Safiyya Vorajee wrote: “You are my Angel my heartbeat my soul, RIP my precious baby.
“You will always be with me like a handprint on my heart.”
A former Coventry City player in England's championship, Cain had documented Azaylia’s life and battle with acute myelogenous leukemia on Instagram.
AML is a rare cancer that affects the blood and bone barrow.
According to the American Cancer Society, it accounts for about one per cent of all cancers.
Fans had raised over $2 million for baby Azaylia
Fans had raised over $2.2 million via A GoFundMe campaign to help the couple pay for Azaylia's treatment.
“We will be donating any extra money to other children and their families in the same situation as us,” a family statement read.
“We pledged to give back to this community from the moment we were thrust into it and that is something we will always honour.”
Billionaire 'Pretty Little Thing' founder Umar Kamani pledged £20,000, while other British celebs who dug deep were cleaning sensation Sophie Hinchcliffe as well as Love Island stars Molly-Mae and Maura Higgins.
Cain had previously thanked those who had donated to save Azaylia's life.
"I'm absolutely lost for words. I'm overwhelmed by the sheer amount of support that you guys have shown us," he said.
"My family are eternally grateful to you guys."
After retiring from football, Cain appeared on MTV reality shows “The Challenge” and “Ex on the Beach.”
He had earlier detailed how Azaylia’s leukemia returned in February after she had been given the all clear to leave hospital and return home.
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