Ashley Cain shares emotional tribute to his daughter Azaylia that 'took him 4 years to write' as he and ex Safiyya Vorajee unveil 'crown' headstone on anniversary of her devastating death

Daily Mail​

24-04-2025

Ashley Cain has shared a heartfelt tribute to his daughter Azaylia as her 'crown' headstone was placed on her grave, four years after her tragic death.
The former Ex On The Beach star, 34, and his now ex-partner Safiyya Vorajee were left devastated after their little girl lost her battle against leukaemia in April 2021 at just eight months old.
On Wednesday, the fourth anniversary of her death, the grieving parents unveiled the special headstone that had made for Azaylia, which they have named as her 'crown'.
And commemorating the moment, Ashley took to his Instagram to pay tribute to his little girl, as he admitted that he felt 'an overwhelming sense of pride', alongside 'the numbing guilt and the devastating pain'.
Sharing a photo of Azaylia in the hospital and her heart-shaped headstone at her gravesite, he penned a touching message praising her 'strength and courage'.
He wrote: 'For 4 years, I've lived in fear of this very moment. As a parent, you never, ever want to reach the day where this becomes the final thing you can do for your child.
The former Ex On The Beach star, 34, and his now ex-partner Safiyya Vorajee were left devastated after their little girl lost her battle against leukaemia in April 2021 at just eight months old (pictured together)
'But today, on Azaylia's 4th anniversary, through the numbing guilt and the devastating pain… I feel an overwhelming sense of pride.
'Pride that one of Earth's most beautiful little princesses, and one of Heaven's most beloved angels, now has a special crown worthy enough to hold her story.'
Addressing Azaylia directly, Ashley admitted he had struggled to find the words to express how much he loved her ever since her passing.
He gushed: 'These words have taken 4 years to write - and even now, they will never be enough to say who you are, or what you've done for me as your father.
'They'll never come close to expressing the enormity of your strength, your courage, your beauty, and your purity. Or the profound impact you've had on this world and its people.
'But I hope, as your daddy, they show just how much I love you. And I know your mummy and all of our family will feel the exactly same.'
Concluding the heartbreaking post, he added: 'I miss you with a pain that never fades, and I love you with a strength that will never end. Forever, with every piece of me - Daddy.'
The beautiful 'crown' headstone was emblazoned with a photo of Azaylia and read: 'Earth 10.08.2020 Heaven 24.04.2021. Our precious daughter Azaylia Diamond Cain.
Sharing a photo of Azaylia in the hospital and her heart-shaped headstone at her gravesite, he penned a touching message praising her 'strength and courage'
'Azaylia, our brave and beautiful little warrior. You were more than we ever dreamed. Our miracle, our heart, our hero.
'Your love so pure, your spirit unbreakable, and your light endless. You faced every challenge with courage, lighting up the world with your smile.
'We are so proud of you, Azaylia, and always will be. You taught us to live, to fight, and to love without limits.
'We long for you more than words can express, But your legacy lives on, inspiring and saving lives. Keep shining, our guiding light. LET'S GO CHAMP'.
'Forever and Always, with all our love, Mummy, Daddy & Your Loving Family'.
Safiyya also shared a tribute, explaining: 'I call it her crown instead of a headstone, just like I call it her garden ✨using softer words brings a little peace to something so heavy. It helps me honour her in a way that feels gentle, beautiful, and true to who she is'
She shared a heartbreaking video of her singing When You Believe by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston to Azaylia the day before she died.
While she also posted a photo of her family gathered at Azaylia's garden, admitting it had been 'a day with a sad heart and many tears but also a memory filled with happy moments'.
Safiyya also shared a tribute, alongside a photo of her family gathered at Azaylia's garden, admitting it had been 'a day with a sad heart and many tears but also a memory filled with happy moments'
Former footballer Ashley and Safiyya raised more than £1.5million to fund Azaylia's specialist treatment before her death, and put the unspent money into The Azaylia Foundation which aims to support families and provide memorable experiences for children fighting cancer
She added: 'You are my magical guardian angel. I love you forever and always mummy'.
Former footballer Ashley and Safiyya raised more than £1.5million to fund Azaylia's specialist treatment before her death.
After she passed, they put the unspent money into The Azaylia Foundation which aims to support families and provide memorable experiences for children fighting cancer.
The pair separated after the death of their daughter, with Ashley going on to become the father of two sons with two other women.
He welcomed son Aliyas, one, with a new partner and mystery woman in January last year who he later split from and has a five-month old son Atlas too.
Though Ashley hasn't disclosed the identity of Atlas's mother, he has confirmed that they are no longer in a relationship, and have been friends since they were 18 years old.
Last month, he shared he would like another two children as he explained he's always wanted a 'big family'.
He told the Mirror: 'Yeah, I think so. I've got a big family; I've got two older brothers, two younger sisters and loads of cousins, so when we all get together it's magical.
'I've always wanted a big family because you've got a big team, a big network and a lot of people to love and support you.
'My dad always says he's blessed because he's got 5 kids and he's always got people to do things with, it's a beautiful thing and I'd like that too. So, yeah, 100% I do.'
When asked if he talks to them about Azaylia, he replied: 'Yes, we visit her garden often, and I'm really looking forward to the weather getting better so we can visit it more. It's crucially important for them to know who their big sister is because she forged the man that is raising them in this world. I always feel close to her.'
In January, Ashley broke his silence over becoming a dad for the third time saying his two sons have 'healed his heart'.
Speaking to The Mirror for the first time about his sons he said: 'They're absolutely gorgeous – they are really helping heal my heart. Don't get me wrong, they can keep you up at night, but it's all worth it. I'm so grateful for them.'
He poignantly added: 'I know Azaylia would be absolutely besotted by them and they will by her when I tell them all of the stories about her.'
He added that he often visits her resting place with Aliyas and Atlas.
Ashley added: 'I hope I feel grief forever. I know that in my grief is just my love – I'll be grateful as long as I feel it.
'Sometimes, people try to get away from their grief, but it'd be a more beautiful process if they sat into it and realised it is just their love for that person.'
Ashley announced that Atlas had been born on November 29, sharing several snaps of the tot and said his heart was 'bursting with love and excitement'.
At the time the star was away filming a show for the BBC called Ashley Cain: Into The Danger Zone and so missed Atlas' birth as he arrived a month early.
He wrote: 'When you rearrange your final two filming dates three times to make sure you're back for your son's birth, fully expecting him to be just like you - LATE. He surprises everyone by showing up a month early!
'Even though I'm absolutely gutted I couldn't be there, my heart is bursting with love and excitement.
'I can't wait to leave the danger zones behind and come home to the best welcome ever - hugs, kisses, and sleepy snuggles on the sofa with my beautiful baby boy.
'Atlas, you will always have the most beautiful, strong, and courageous guardian angel watching over you in your big sister, Azaylia.
'And you'll share an unbreakable bond with the best big brother, Aliyas, who will forever have your back, look out for you, and stand by your side.
'May your body grow strong, your mind grow wise, your heart remain loving, and your spirit stay pure and truly powerful! 'See you soon, my boy - I love you.'
Ashley announced he was expecting another baby on November 21, revealing he was expecting a baby boy and sharing his joy that there was good news coming after 'all the heartache .'
Alongside pictures of son Aliyas, and bizarrely a slew of snaps of his purple Lamborghini, he wrote: ''Another One' **DJ Khaled Voice**.
'My little girl will soon have another little brother to watch over, and my little boy will not only be a baby brother but a big brother too.'
Ashley continued: 'With all the heartache I've been through, I'm truly grateful that I can really start counting my blessings again!
'Now, it's time to head to two of the most dangerous places in the world to film the final two episodes of my brand new series.
'So for now, I'm sad to say goodbye, but I look forward to seeing you both soon, my little men. And to my guardian angel, I'll never ever be without you because I can feel your presence in every step I take.
'Life has a way of throwing challenges our way, but it also blesses us with moments that fill our hearts with immense joy. Here's to the journey ahead and the beautiful souls who make it'.
Ashley has not disclosed the mother of his one-year-old son Aliyas but previously opened up about their 'beautiful' co-parenting relationship .
He told MailOnline: 'We're keeping as friends, and we are co-parenting. We have a very good relationship, so that's how it is staying.
'It's been beautiful, really to be able to get on, not amicably, but so well, even better, we both have Aliyas's best interests in heart.
'We both have love and respect for each other. And we both just want to be the best parents we can. And not only enjoy our son, but let us and enjoy the most of us and the most of life.
'So we're doing everything. It's very comfortable. It's very easy. And we make the best decisions based on our son, so great.'
After the birth, Ashley was met with backlash s from his followers who branded his son's name, Aliyas Diamond Cain, disrespectful towards his ex partner.
Taking to Instagram he revealed he'd paid tribute to his late daughter by using her middle name, Diamond, which later explained was a 'family tradition.'
Safiyya said she was heartbroken that Ashley fathered a child with someone else and claims he had asked her to try for a second baby with him after their split.
She had been hoping for a reconciliation but admitted she hadn't been explicit about that.