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Ashley Cain Says His Heart Is Shattered In Lengthy Tribute To Daughter Azaylia

Ashley Cain Says His Heart Is Shattered In Lengthy Tribute To Daughter Azaylia

The Ex On The Beach star said his late daughter 'saved his life' in an emotional tribute.

Joanna Freedman

Joanna Freedman

Ashley Cain has shared an emotional tribute to his daughter Azaylia one day after revealing she had passed away at just eight months old.

The Ex On The Beach star released a statement on Monday morning, in which he wrote: "My heart is shattered.

"You gave my life purpose, my face a smile, filled my heart with love and my soul with pride.

"I can't put into words my sadness and pain, there aren't words to describe it. I love you with every ounce of my body and I miss you so much already."

Ashley shared this picture alongside his statement (
Ashley Cain/ Instagram)

The reality TV favourite - who shared Azaylia with partner Safiyya Vorajee - had been documenting her battle with a rare form of leukaemia ever since she was first diagnosed at just eight weeks old.

"You made me a better man," he continued. "You made me the person I've always wanted to be. You've taught me more in your 8 months than I've learned my whole life.

"I don't know why you've been taken away from me and my heart aches in your absence.

"But I promise you that your name with live on. I will carry your name across every ocean, along every road, to the top of every mountain and across the whole globe.

Azaylia battled a rare blood cancer before her tragic death at eight months' old (
Instagram)

"Your name will live, your legacy will be remembered and I will seek peace in living as your vessel to continue inspiring, giving strength, spreading joy and saving lives in your name, with your spirit, as your father until we meet again.

"You saved my life, you really did. With my second chance, I make a promise to you that I will make yours live on in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers.

"I am blessed, I am honoured and I am privileged to be your father. I would go through all of the pain again and again. Because what you gave me in those 8 months will live with me for eternity."

Ashley signed off with an extract from Azaylia's favourite song from The Jungle Book - 'I Wanna Be Like You'.

He wrote: "Oh, oobee doo/ I wanna be like you/ I wanna walk like you/ Talk like you, too.

"Rest In Peace Princess".

Azaylia was allowed to return home earlier this month (
Ashley Cain/ Instagram)

Azaylia passed away on Saturday after spending her last few days surrounded by her loved ones in the comfort of her Birmingham home.

At the start of April, doctors told Ashley and Safiyya she had cancerous tumours running through her whole body, and there was nothing more they could do to treat her condition.

The pair were then dealt another blow when they learnt a lifeline treatment in Singapore wasn't available to her either - despite raising over £1.5 million in generous donations from celebs and fans - because her cancer was too rare.

However, she fought on for several more weeks, and was able to enjoy some wonderful final memories with her family.

Sharing the news of her daughter's tragic passing yesterday, Safiyya 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."

Poor Azaylia's cancer spread too extensively to treat (
Instagram/Ashley Cain)

Meanwhile, Ashley wrote on Instagram: "Rest In Paradise Princess. I will always hold you in my heart until I can hold you again in heaven."

He also shared a quote, which read: "She is proof you can walk through hell and still be an angel."

RIP Champ. Our thoughts are with Ashley and Safiyya at this horrible time.

Featured Image Credit: Instagram

Topics: Azaylia Cain, Ashley Cain