A passionate determination to raise awareness of childhood cancer has seen the parents of Azaylia Diamond Cain presented with honorary doctorates from Coventry University.
Ann-Marie Cannaby, Coventry University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor for Health:
“We are delighted to award Honorary Doctorates to Ashley and Safiyya for their incredible work helping families battling childhood cancer. Their determination to help others in similar situations is inspirational and their commitment to challenging the status quo and driving change that improves the lives of people are qualities we and our students share.”
Ex-professional footballer, author, podcaster, TV presenter and motivational speaker Ashley Cain and bestselling author Safiyya Vorajee experienced the heartbreaking loss of their eight-month-old daughter Azaylia in April 2021 following a brave battle against childhood cancer. Despite their bereavement Ashley and Safiyya have worked tirelessly to raise money to fight childhood cancer, establishing the Azaylia Foundation, which works to advance early diagnosis and new treatments.
Ashley, from Nuneaton, who is also a mental health advocate and brand ambassador, has taken part in numerous physical challenges in support of the Foundation, including taking part in the world’s toughest survival endurance race – the Yukon 1,000 – which saw him contend with dangerous waters and even grizzly bears.
Safiyya has penned the book Loving and Losing You, Azaylia: My Inspirational Daughter and our Unbreakable Bond in celebration of Azaylia’s life and promotes kindness, inclusivity and mutual support amongst children through the Foundation’s initiative Wear Orange for Azaylia.
To recognise their work and dedication, Coventry University bestowed an Honorary Doctorate of Letters on both Ashley and Safiyya at a ceremony at Coventry Cathedral on Friday.
Ashley Cain:
“When I was first told about the Honorary Doctorate I didn’t really believe it. I thought it was a joke but really all the glory goes to my daughter, she has done so many amazing things for so many people.
“When I learnt about Azaylia’s diagnosis my heart just felt like it shattered there in the hospital. You wouldn’t wish such a thing on your worst enemy but very soon I knew the person I needed to be… Azaylia is my reason to fight, to push myself for the foundation, she is my superpower. My life with Azaylia was confined to a hospital but by going around the world and doing all these challenges, I feel like she’s coming around the world with me.”
The Azaylia Foundation supports UK-based children battling cancer with individual treatment donations when treatments required are not covered by the NHS. It is also working to address a shortfall in childhood cancer research funding through donations while raising awareness and campaigning for change with community, government and health organisations.
To find out more about the Azaylia Foundation visit www.theazayliafoundation.com
Safiyya Vorajee:
“I’m absolutely overwhelmed to be presented with an honorary doctorate. The Azaylia Foundation is my life’s work and to have something that has been such a therapy for me recognised in this way is very special. We launched the foundation because we believe Azaylia shouldn’t just be remembered as the little girl who passed, but as the girl who helped so many others. I want her to be remembered far beyond her lifetime. She inspired over 80,000 people to join the bone marrow register, not just because it could have saved her life but for the hundreds of thousands of other lives the register can help save.
“I was always determined to fill Azaylia’s life with smiles, warmth and love, being a mother is simply the best thing that has ever happened to me and I feel so lucky to have spent such wonderful times with my incredible daughter who will stay with me for my lifetime. Childhood cancer is the biggest killer of children in the UK, yet it receives just three per cent of research cancer funding.”
