Azaylia Cain: Baby inspires 56,000 to join stem cell register
The eight-month-old passed away at the weekend (25 April)
Last updated 27th Apr 2021
Thousands of people have applied to join the UK's biggest stem cell register since hearing the story of Azaylia Cain.
She was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of leukaemia at just eight-weeks-old.
Sadly, Ashley and his partner Safiyya Vorajee confirmed over the weekend the devastating news their eight-month-old daughter Azaylia passed away after losing her battle with Leukemia.
The former Ex On The Beach contestant revealed the tragic news on social media on Sunday (25 April) sharing a heartbreaking post on Instagram.
At the start of her battle, Azaylia's dad Ashley called for more people to sign up to the Anthony Nolan stem cell register.
In a couple of hours, thousands of people had already done it.
Since then, more than 56,000 people have signed up.
The charity say it's "a number so high, none of us could have anticipated it".
Henny Braund is the Chief Executive of Anthony Nolan:
"I was very saddened to hear about Azaylia’s death. My heart goes out to her parents, Safiyya and Ashley, and their family at this sad and devastating time. We’ll continue to be here, however they need us, as they process the events of the last few months.
"Like many, I followed Azaylia’s journey closely as Ashley and Safiyya shared her story with us. I was moved by her development and resilience as she spent much of her young life in hospital, receiving treatment with her parents by her side.
"Azaylia’s story has inspired thousands of young people from a range of backgrounds to join the Anthony Nolan stem cell donor register. This lifesaving legacy will give countless families hope in years to come and I hope this is of some comfort to all who knew and loved her."
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