Supporters of Ashley Cain and his daughter Azaylia have launched a campaign to get the eight month old nominated for a Pride of Britain award as she continues to battle leukaemia.
Thousands have pledged their support after members of the Azaylia Diamond Cain journey to fight acute myeloid leukaemia Facebook group urged others to send in nominations.
One wrote, “Come on everyone get voting for this beautiful little lioness. She's captured the heart of so many thousands. My heart hurts so bad for this beautiful family, they deserve so much more than this nomination but the world needs to see the courage and bravery of this beautiful family and Azaylia needs to be recognised.”
As the campaign gathers momentum, Pride of Britain paid touching tribute to Azaylia on their Facebook page. Alongside a photo of Ashley, Saffiya and Azaylia, they wrote, “Sending love and support to Azaylia’s family. Your strength and courage is an inspiration #ourprideofbritain.”
How can I nominate Azaylia Cain for a Pride of Britain award?
You can nominate Azaylia Cain for a Pride of Britain award on their website. Winners will be chosen by the Pride of Britain judging panel, who consider every nomination received.
Who is Ashley Cain's daughter Azaylia?
Azaylia Diamond Cain, who was born in August 2020, is the eight-month-old daughter of Ashley Cain and his girlfriend Safiyya Vorajee.
Although she was not born with cancer, Azaylia was sadly diagnosed with acute myloid leukaemia (AML) at just eight weeks old.
Azaylia underwent three rounds of chemotherapy and urgent bone marrow transplant, but unfortunately, doctors found that she still had traces of leukaemia which began to multiply before she went into full relapse.
Ashley and Safiyya then set up a GoFundMe page to fund life-saving CAR-T therapy plus a haplo transplant in Singapore, which raised over £1.4million.
How can I donate to Azaylia Cain’s GoFundMe?
As of Tuesday 20 April, Azaylia's GoFundMe has raised £1,586,800. You can make a donation here.
What is the latest update on Azaylia Cain?
Although over £1.4million was raised to fund life-saving treatment for their daughter in Singapore, Ashley and his girlfriend Safiyya Vorajee were later told that specialists were not able to help due to the extremely rare type of cancer she has.
Doctors in the UK then delivered the devastating news that Azaylia had just “days to live” as they had run out of treatment options, with the little one returning home to receive palliative care.
Azaylia is currently on oxygen to help her sleep comfortably but has been rushed to hospital on multiple occasions to receive platelet transfusions. Ashley and Safiyya have also been using cold compresses on Azaylia's eyes as she struggled to keep them open after fluid retention caused swelling.
The parents continue to document Azaylia's battle on Instagram. In one of his latest posts, Ashley told fans, "We don’t take Azaylia out of our sight for a single second at the moment, caring for her every need."
What did Dwayne Johnson say about Azaylia Cain?
Hollywood actor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson sent a heartfelt to Ashley and Azaylia after a friend of the reality star got in touch to explain their situation.
He said, "I just happened to pick up her message and it sent me to your page, and I want to tell you, first of all, I'm so sorry to hear about your beautiful daughter Azaylia. Tell that little lion that I said, 'Let's go champ and just stay strong.'"
The 48 year old went on to add, "Your daughter's strength is what strengthens you and all her loved ones around her, and she's already had this incredible impact on the world.
"Stay strong brother and, again, my heart breaks for you."
Who is Ashley Cain?
Ashley Cain is a former professional footballer and reality star from Nuneaton who has appeared on Ex on the Beach and The Challenge. He has also modelled for brands including The Couture Club.
Who is Ashley Cain’s girlfriend Safiyya Vorajee?
Ashley began dating his girlfriend Safiyya in 2017 and they welcomed their daughter Azaylia in August 2020.
Safiyya is is an aesthetic practitioner, dermal filler and registered nurse. She also owns the brand MX Pretty Cosmetics.
Was Ashley Cain on Ex on the Beach?
Ashley appeared in the first and second series of Ex on the Beach, before returning for the all-star fifth season in 2016.
Which football teams did Ashley Cain play for?
Ashley began his footballing career at Coventry City and played on loan for Luton, Oxford United and Mansfield Town. He was forced to retire from the sport in 2012 after rupturing the right side of his Achilles tendon.