Ashley Cain has unveiled two new tattoos dedicated to his late daughter Azaylia following her tragic death in April at just eight months old.
The Ex on the Beach star took to Instagram to unveil his new artwork – a lion tattoo on one side of his neck and Azaylia’s name written on the other – and explain the moving meaning behind the tributes to his “hero”.
“I wanted to get this Lion tattoo to convey the strength, power, bravery and courage of Azaylia and hope that some of these qualities that she possessed in abundance, may also be passed down to me, on my journey through suffering. To stand tall, proud and be a fearless individual overcoming all challenges now in my path, through strength and courage,” he wrote.
Ashley added, “I wanted to get her name because I am overwhelmingly proud that she is my daughter and truly honoured that I was privileged enough to be her father. So that everyone that sees me, will ask who is Azaylia, speak her name and find out how amazing she was.”
The reality star and former footballer ended the emotional post with the words, “I love you beyond words and miss you so much.”
Ashley’s followers were full of compliments for the new inkings, with one writing, “Loving that the lion’s eyes are blue, just like precious baby girl ❤️ beautiful tribute x.”
Another added, “It’s beautiful ❤️❤️❤️,” while a third wrote “Always and forever her hero and Daddy x.”
Azaylia passed away earlier this year after losing her battle with acute myloid leukaemia (AML).
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Azaylia with diagnosed with AML, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, just two months after she was born. She underwent three rounds of chemotherapy and an urgent bone marrow transplant, but later relapsed.
Ashley and Safiyya raised over £1.4million to fund CAR-T therapy in Singapore but were later told specialists were unable to help due to the extremely rare type of cancer she had. Doctors in the UK then delivered the devastating news that they had run out of treatment options, with the little one returning home to receive palliative care.
Ashley announced the heartbreaking news of Azaylia’s death on Instagram as he wrote, “Rest In Paradise Princess 👼🏼🌈 I will always hold you in my heart until I can hold you again in heaven.’
Azaylia’s mum Safiyya added, “You are my Angel my heartbeat my soul, RIP my precious baby, you will always be with me like a handprint on my heart."