Reality TV star Ashley Cain has shared his heartbreak at learning his daughter’s leukaemia had returned despite five months of hospital treatment.

The former footballer and star of Ex On The Beach revealed that seven-month-old baby Azaylia had been due to ring the bell to signify the end of her cancer treatment – but doctors then said the “aggressive and rare” AML leukaemia had returned.

Cain, 30, wrote on Instagram that he and girlfriend Safiyya Vorajee wanted to give Azaylia her moment ringing the bell as he shared a video of the staff lining the corridors to applaud her.

He wrote: “Today was supposed to be a day of unquestionable happiness. However, it turned out like most days on this journey; A miracle blindsided by heartbreak!

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“We got told a few days ago that’s Azaylia would be ringing the bell today and coming home with us, as a family to resume treatment 2 days per week as an outpatient. However, 10 minutes before the moment we have been praying for over the last 5 months… We got urgently informed that Azaylia’s leukemia had returned.

“We crumbled and cancelled the celebration as we felt broken and numb to the core before seeing her beautiful face telling us, the show must go on and us then realising how far our little girl has come and how much she deserves this moment. She has battled against the odds, she has overcome every obstacle in her path and she has done it all with remarkable spirit and the biggest smile on her face!

“For now we are enjoying precious moments at home until we return to hospital on Friday! Thank you for your support and please keep our beautiful daughter in your prayers!”

Ayzalia Diamond Cain was born in August 2020, and was diagnosed with cancer aged just two months, in October last year.

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Announcing her diagnosis Cain wrote on social media: “Yesterday I had to go through something no parent in the world should have to go through. The single most upsetting, terrifying and heartbreaking experience I have ever been through. I found out my beautiful daughter Azaylia Diamond Cain got diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of leukaemia which has come with many complications.

“Everybody who wishes to, please say a prayer for my beautiful brave little girl Azaylia who is currently fighting a battle for her life! Mummy and Daddy love you princess LETS GO CHAMP. You CAN and you WILL beat this!”

She has been living at Birmingham Children’s Hospital undergoing chemotherapy and stem cell treatment for the past five months.

Earlier this month to mark World Cancer Day, Cain highlighted the benefit of umbilical cord donations from new mothers to help stem cell treatment.

Watch: Ashley Cain revealed his baby had been diagnosed with cancer at two months old