Ashley Cain has penned a heartbreaking tribute to his late daughter.
The Ex on the Beach star, 30, is mourning the loss of his baby girl Azaylia - who lost her battle with leukemia on April 25 at eight-months-old - and reflected on Monday evening on how every day is a struggle without her by his side.
Ashley took to his Instagram Stories to tell how he cannot escape the grief, as he penned: "Going to bed with a heavy heart tonight as my beautiful babies 1st birthday tomorrow. I could’ve never imagined things would’ve turned out this way and it breaks my heart every single day to be without her.
"Azaylia meant everything an more to me and she truthfully not only made my life, but saved my life. She will forever be my baby girl, my angel and my hero and I will always stand by being the best daddy to her I can be."
The reality TV personality - who shared Azaylia with partner Safiyya Vorajee - added a second upload where he posted a snap of Azaylia sleeping and his hand resting on her.
Alongside the picture, Ashley wrote: "Goodnight baby daddy loves you to the stars and back."
Last month, Ashley hit back at cruel trolls who claimed he blew the £1.6 million raised for his late daughter Azaylia on funding a lavish lifestyle.
He took to social media to blast those who wrongly accused him of spending the money on supercars and new mountain bikes, and said instead, he had been forced to sell his belongings to pay the bills.
Ashley’s eight-month-old daughter Azaylia was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia last year, and a fundraising page was started to raise money for potentially lifesaving treatment for the little girl.
After being noticed by celebrities including Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, the money raised soared above £1.6 million.
Ashley revealed that in recent days some of his Instagram followers have accused him and partner Safiyya of blowing the cash on themselves.
“Stop deleting comments when people ask you why you aren’t returning the 1.5 million pounds you asked for despite driving supercars continuously and always having designer products,” the troll told the dad.
Sharing the nasty message, Ashley also revealed his reply as he told the follower how he and Safiyya are working to set up a charity in Azaylia’s name using the money raised.
“Thank you for your concern. I haven’t deleted any comments. In fact today I thought it would be beneficial to actually reply back to some people,” the ex-footballer began.
“I actually got rid of my car to support me and my family through extra outgoings being in hospital. And I haven’t been driving round in any super cards as I’ve been too busy taking care of my daughter and recently mourning her passing,” Ashley added.
He confirmed that the money raised will be going directly to an organisation, named after their daughter, to help others.
“We don’t have any access to the money raised until the foundation is set up, so it can be used to help children and families who have to go through this traumatic time,” Ashley wrote.
He went on to open up about his struggle with grief since his baby daughter died, and said the only thing getting him through the days was the thought of making Azaylia proud.
“I shouldn’t have to explain myself when I have nothing by good intentions, but as I speak and act from the heart I don’t have any trouble not deleting your comment and addressing you directly,” he fired.
Ashley then revealed he had donated most of his clothes to a refuge, and had no interest in buying designer items.
“As long as I have enough fresh items to wear all week, that’s all I am worried about. And again, thank you for your concern. I hope you have done your bit in this world today,” Ashley concluded.
The criticism began when he uploaded a new snap of a new mountain bike on Instagram on Monday, as he explained he would be taking part in a challenge aiming to raise money for the foundation he was planning to set up.
Ashley took to his Instagram Stories to address the backlash he faced from a number of online trolls, and said that he had sold his belongings to pay for hotels for him and Safiyya while Azaylia was in hospital.
“I actually got rid of my car during Azaylia's fight so we had enough money to support ourselves and just in case anything happened.
“Our outgoings doubled because not only we were paying for our home we were paying for hotels seven days a week for months on end and we weren't working at the time either because we wanted to dedicate to our daughter and our needs,” he added.
Azaylia was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia two months after her August birth and has been receiving treatment at Birmingham Children's Hospital.
In the weeks before her death, Azaylia's health deteriorated as blood clots were discovered on her brain, which led to her crying blood and having to spend more time in hospital.
If you wish to talk to someone about cancer, you can phone Cancer Research UK on 0300 1231022, with opening hours from 8am–6pm, Monday–Friday, or email on supporter.services@cancer.org.uk
