A former championship footballer and reality TV star is in Cornwall to begin a mammoth journey to help children with cancer following the death of his daughter in 2021.

Ashley Cain has begun his world record attempt of running, cycling and kayaking more than 2,780 miles fworld record attemptin memory of his daughter Azaylia who died from leukaemia at just eight weeks old.

The former Ex on The Beach contestant and model set up a GoFundMe page where he hopes to raise £10,000 to help and support children fighting cancer.

Falmouth Packet: The former MTV reality star and championship footballer hopes to meet families of children with cancer along the way The former MTV reality star and championship footballer hopes to meet families of children with cancer along the way (Image: Stock)

A post shared by Ashley on the GoFundMe page reads: “On April 24, the anniversary of Azayliah’s passing, I will take on a world’s first challenge – ULTRAMAN 2024.

“I will be crossing Britain three times from top to bottom – once running, once cycling and once kayaking over the course of three months.

“That’s over 2,780 miles of physical endurance and mental strength of turning pain into purpose, none of which would be possible without the guidance and protection of my hero watching me from above.”

To donate or see more of Ashley’s journey visit www.gofundme.com/f/ultraman-2024-a-worlds-first-for-childhood-cancer. 

Ashley also explained that he hopes to meet people along the way, especially families of children with cancer to share their stories.

Helston father of three and keen cyclist Simon Powell managed to meet and have his picture taken with Ashley before the start of his world record journey attempt. 

Falmouth Packet: Simon said Ashley was an inspiration to so many Simon said Ashley was an inspiration to so many (Image: Simon Powell)

Simon told the Packet: “The guy is an absolute inspiration to so many.

“To lose a child is the worst thing to happen to anyone, but to turn something so negative and raise so much awareness and money for others is such a selfless thing to do.

“He just shows people that, even in really dark times, we can all do something to help.”

Now that his journey is well underway, Ashley will end the first day of this mammoth and groundbreaking challenge at Pool Academy.

Staff members from Pool Academy are inviting people to join them in welcoming Ashley this afternoon at around 2.30pm.

He will then depart from the academy to start his second day of the challenge at approximately 9am.