Ashley Cain marks ‘worst birthday ever’ as he falls ill on 31st after daughter Azaylia’s death

Ashley Cain is marking his 31st birthday today but has described it as ‘the worst ever’ as he’s fallen ill while also still grieving the death of his daughter Azaylia. 

The former Ex On The Beach star is currently taking part in a gruelling charity trek to Ben Nevis, Scotland for The Azaylia Foundation. 

It was set up in memory of Azaylia who died in April aged just eight months old following a battle with a rare and aggressive form of leukaemia. 

As he turned 31 on Monday, Ashley spoke to his followers via his Instagram stories to detail how different this birthday is compared to his previous. 

After fighting off a cough, he said: ‘Day three. Chapter 31. Effectively the worst birthday ever. 

‘When I say I’m tired, ill, need a new set of legs, it’s raining, windy. I don’t actually know how we’re going to get on the bikes today and ride but we gotta do it ‘cause these kids are fighting so so will we. 

‘I’m really, really feeling it now. I don’t think we had enough rest from the Landsend to John O’Groats ride going into this and then now completely wiped out, so this is going to be a true test of strength and character today but we will get it, lions!’ 

Ashley Cain has said his 31st birthday is his worst yet (Picture: @mrashleycain, Instagram)

Ashley then explained how he spent the morning sitting by the water and ‘talking to [his] little princess’. 

‘I spoke about how much I love her, how much I miss her and how much she inspires me every single day.’ 

In an Instagram post, he opened up about the pain of marking his first birthday since Azaylia died five months ago, and wrote: ‘It’s my birthday, but it’s not a happy day for me. It’s a heartbreaking one, because all I want today is to hold you in my arms.

‘Until this day becomes reality again, I will spend my life honouring your legacy, making you proud and earning my place to have you in my arms once again.’

The former footballer added: ‘My birthday is no longer about me, it’s not about celebration… It’s about battling my emotions, battling these elements and committing to my promises to make a difference in this world until I am no longer here.’

Ashley’s girlfriend Safiyya Vorajee, who hasn’t joined him on the trek, shared a heartfelt birthday post in honour of his birthday. 

Alongside a family photo of the couple with baby Azaylia, she wrote in the caption: ‘Happy birthday to the most amazing boyfriend & daddy 🧡.

‘You are an incredible man you are my soulmate, we have been through so much beauty & pain together, created the most amazing baby to have blessed this earth, & I couldn’t of done it without you. You have kept me strong & Always beside me.’ 

Safiyya added: ‘Such a beautiful man & the best daddy to our little princess. Azaylia is proud of you everyday & today she is giving you extra hugs & kisses tugging through your beard and enjoying your day together 🧡.

More: Ashley Cain

‘We love you 😘 always beside you 🧡happy birthday.’ 

Ashley replied: ‘I love you guys so so much,’ later adding: ‘I miss these times so so much.’ 

The Azaylia Foundation aims to raise money to help the families of youngsters battling childhood cancer, as well as providing an education on illnesses like leukaemia.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : BBC Jimmy Savile drama with Steve Coogan branded ‘disgusting’ as broadcaster is accused of hypocrisy

MORE : Machine Gun Kelly gets into physical altercation with concert-goer after being booed by crowd