Ashley Cain's bond with mystery baby mum he had to defend from vile trolls

is no stranger to loss, and when trolls targeted his mystery partner after the birth of their third child, he was quick to defend her. The 34-year-old reality star and ex-footballer has faced more than his fair share of heartache in his personal life, including the.

But despite the pain, Ashley admitted he has found new ways to move forward. In November of last year, Ashley shared some happy news, Atlas Diamond Cain. What should've been a joyful time for the star with the arrival of his baby boy quickly turned into a battle with trolls online, who criticised the name he gave his newborn.

Cain was slammed for the name choice, with some followers accusing him of disrespecting his ex-partner by naming their son after Azaylia, who also had the middle name 'Diamond'. Despite the negativity, he stuck to his decision, choosing to honour his daughter's memory in the way that felt right to him.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

The Ex on the Beach star took to to further explain that the name wasn't just a tribute to his late daughter, but also part of a "family tradition."

Though Ashley hasn't disclosed the identity of Atlas's mother, he has confirmed that they are no longer in a relationship. However, they have shared a long history,

Clapping back at the trolls, he said: "I am a man that had to bury the most precious thing I have ever seen, touched & witnessed. I am a man that not only is dealing with grief, but remained strong to help those around me deal with theirs.

"I am a man that made promises and commitments to his daughter that he would be the best person he could be to make a positive difference in this for other children that follow in her footsteps.

"I am a man that kept that promise and despite his feelings everyday, does what he needs to do to make that happen. I am also a man that chooses to help others fight their demons, open up about their problems and be brave enough to tackle and improve their mental health."

It came two years after Ashley and his ex-partner,, suffered the heartbreaking loss of their daughter, Azaylia.

Azaylia was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia at just eight weeks old, with tumours on her lungs, stomach, and kidneys. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, she tragically passed away on April 24, 2021, at just eight months old, after a brave battle. Her parents later set up a charity for her in her name, The Azaylia Foundation.

Meanwhile, Safiyya has focused on healing and moving forward. She wrote on social media at the time: "Working towards my dreams with purpose. I'm embracing the power of healing, kindness, and helping others along the way.

"Every step is part of my journey of growth, balance, and resilience, reminding me that true strength comes from within. I choose to stay true to my purpose, knowing that with each challenge I face, I'm becoming stronger, wiser, and more aligned with the life I'm meant to live," she confessed.

"The path may not always be easy, but it is mine and I will walk it with courage, hope, and unwavering faith in what's to come."

Cain previously opened up about how the pain of losing his daughter is something he carries with him every day while speaking on Paul Carrick Brunson's We Need To Talk podcast. He admitted: "I don't believe my trauma is ever going to leave me and I don't want it to leave me because the pain I feel is the love for my daughter."

During the emotional interview, the former Coventry City player recalled first discovering the signs that his daughter was ill and being told of her cancer diagnosis. He said, "One day my partner saw a raised lump on her stomach and it had a bruise on it. When we rang, they told us to come straight in. They took Azaylia's blood.

"They told us it was AMR leukemia, it was very aggressive. She's at a high risk of this illness taking her life and there's a low risk of them being able to cure it.

"They told us that on the spot. We were moved to Birmingham Children's hospital and that was my life going forward. I went from feeling like I'd everything I'd ever wanted to having my entire life turned upside down. I broke down. I couldn't function, I struggled to stand, to speak."

Ashley and Safiyya planned to travel to Singapore with Azaylia for specialist leukemia treatment, however, doctors told them she was too ill to make the journey.

The father-of-three recalled: "The day the consultant came in and said, Azalyia's tumours come back, she's now got tumours on her stomach, her kidney, her spleen and her brain and she won't be able to fly. There's nothing we could do about it."

In January 2024, nearly three years after Azalyia's tragic passing, Ashley announced on Instagram the birth of his first son, Aliyas.

Sharing a sweet photo of his baby boy, the Challenge star wrote: "Aliyas Diamond Cain - 16.01.24, 4:32am, 9lbs 3oz."

"I will love you, appreciate you, guide you and protect you with all of my heart, for the rest of my life. & you will have the most beautiful guardian angel heaven holds watching over you and protecting you too," he said, referencing his late daughter Azalyia.

"Welcome to the world my son. May your body be strong, your mind be wise, your heart be loving and your spirit be pure and truly powerful."

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on , , , , , and .