Former footballer Ashley Cain is running an ‘ultraman’ challenge to raise money for a cancer charity after his daughter died from leukemia aged just eight months.
The 33-year-old, previously a winger for clubs including Coventry City and Mansfield Town, completed his 34th marathon in 34 days on Tuesday.
Cain crossed Britain three times from top to bottom – once running, once by bike and once by kayak – over the course of three months.
If he completes the challenge, he will be the world record holder for the feat. This is believed to be the first time this has been attempted.
The challenge wasn’t just physically difficult for Cain. He began running on the anniversary of his daughter’s death, which he considered “difficult.”
Baby Azaylia in the hospital. Photo: Ashley Cain
“[I] it also passed the anniversary of us laying it to rest,” he told Sky News from John O’Groats, where he finished the first stage of his feat.
“That really means why I’m doing this.”
Baby Azaylia was diagnosed with cancer at eight weeks of age. Despite having been successful in treating bone marrow, she died in April 2021.
“Childhood cancer is the number one cause of death for our children. It’s the disease that took my daughter’s life,” Cain said.
“With this challenge, we hope we can raise awareness, obtain much more funding and enable a better future for these children.”
Cancer charities claim that childhood cancer receives less than 3% of all cancer funding in the UK.
Ashley Cain ran five marathons in five days in 2022 to raise money for the Azaylia Foundation. File photo: PA
During her lifetime, Azaylia’s parents raised more than £1.5 million to try to save her life, with mother Safiyya Vorajee campaigning to get her treatment in Singapore.
When she died, they created the Azaylia Foundation to raise money for children fighting cancer and their families.
Read more on Sky News:
Eamonn Holmes opens TV show with divorce statement
Teenager ‘eliminated from investigations’ after woman’s death on beach
Sharing a photo of himself holding his daughter’s hand, Cain posted on Instagram at the time saying: “My heart is broken.
“You gave my life a purpose, a smile on my face, you filled my heart with love and my soul with pride.
“I cannot put into words my sadness and pain, there are no words to describe it.”
Keep up with the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
The money Cain raises during his challenge will go to the Azaylia Foundation.
“The support from the community has been absolutely incredible,” Cain said.
“Not only has it been fuel, but they are really helping us make a difference for these kids.”
More than £70,000 has already been donated to the fundraiser.
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story
