Ashley Cain has released a statement announcing the death of his eight-month-old baby daughter, Azaylia.
The former footballer and reality TV personality shared the news on his official Instagram page.
“Rest In Paradise Princess,” he wrote. “I will always hold you in my heart until I can hold you again in heaven. #AzayliaDiamondCain.”
Azaylia was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia when she was two months old.
Cain and his girlfriend Safiyya Vorajee had been sharing regular updates on her condition. They recently managed to raise more than £1.5 million to fund a trip to Singapore for a potentially life-saving transplant. She was being treated in the UK during the interim.
Among those to express their support during the family’s ordeal was Hollywood star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who sent them a touching video message earlier this month.
As well as his footballing career, Cain is known for starring in the series Ex on the Beach and for competing on the reality game show, The Challenge.
After he shared the news, fans and fellow celebrities rushed to pay tribute, as Azaylia’s name trended on Twitter in the UK.
“RIP little angel,” singer Tom Grennan wrote.
“Heartboken for this poor family,” TV personality Nadia Essex tweeted.
The Only Way is Essex star Mario Falcone wrote on Cain’s post that he was “heartbroken” and added: “RIP little princess.”
Vicky Pattinson, who also starred in Ex on the Beach and on Geordie Shore, commented: “I’m so sorry Ash... Sending love.”
TV personality Charlotte Dawson, daughter of the late comedian Les Dawson, wrote: “My heart is aching so much... what an inspiration she is the most bravest beautiful angel. Rest in peace angel.”
She added: “I’m so so so sorry ash, you are the best parents in the world so strong.”
