Cheer on Ashley Cain at Groats for Lejog cancer charity ride

A Thurso woman is highlighting awareness of a Lejog charity cycle ride by a former footballer-turned-reality star who is expected to arrive at John O'Groats on Tuesday.

Thirty-year-old Ashley Cain is undertaking the 1000-mile bike ride from Land's End to John o'Groats with a team of family and friends for his first fundraiser in the fight against childhood cancer.

Vicky Munro from Thurso has been following the story of Ashley and his partner Safiyya Vorajee for some time and is trying to raise local interest to give the cyclist a hero's welcome when he arrives at his final destination next week.

"Sadly, the couple's world came crashing down when their daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia at only a few months old," said Vicky.

"Tumours were found in her spleen, her lungs and other places. They did everything they could, including raising funds for special treatment in Singapore which was their last hope but they then got the devastating news that the cancer had spread though her tiny body and they took her home to give her the best time possible that she had left."

At eight-months-old little Azaylia Cain sadly passed away with her loving family surrounding her – it was an event that touched many who had been following the tragic story as it unfolded on social media.

Vicky said: "Ashley and Saffiya have vowed to raise awareness and raise as much money as they can through the Azaylia Foundation, to help other families in their position. Through their heartache they are battling on and are the most inspiring, strong couple."

Ashley and Saffiya's charity foundation aims to provide financial support to families fundraising for treatments not readily available on the NHS. It will also work with families to "fund and deliver magical experiences" aimed to bring positivity and smiles into the daily lives of children suffering from cancer.

"I want to gather as many people as I can to welcome and cheer them into John O'Groats for their last stop. So anyone that is free on the 14th of September please come along – probably after dinner time but the Azaylia Foundation Instagram page will have updates of the estimated arrival time."

Vicky says that it would be "amazing" if supporters could wear any sort of orange clothing and bring orange balloons, flags or similar to represent the charity cause.

More information on the charity and how to support it can be found at: www.theazayliafoundation.com/

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