Ashley Cain passes Inverness after first leg of world record attempt in memory of baby daughter
A former professional footballer attempting to break an 'Ultraman' world record in memory of his baby daughter passed through Inverness while completing over 100 miles a day.
Former Coventry City player Ashley Cain arrived in John O’ Groats after setting off from Lands End on foot back in April — having completed the first leg of a gruelling challenge that will see him cross Britain three times — once running, once cycling, and once kayaking, over the course of three months.
The 33-year-old hopes to raise awareness of childhood cancer and to raise funds for The Azaylia Foundation — a charity named after his daughter Azaylia Diamond Cain who died from leukaemia at just eight months old.
Created in August 2021, the charity aims to advance early diagnosis and new treatment availability in the UK, while at the same time supporting children fighting cancer by helping them access treatment not covered by the NHS.
The world record attempt will see the former winger run, cycle and then kayak the route, travelling a distance of over 2700 miles.
A large crowd of well-wishers greeted the runner at John O’ Groats where he completed the first leg of his journey, covering an impressive 837 miles from Lands End on foot.
The athlete now tackles the second part of his journey as he battles over 100 miles a day and has officially passed Inverness on his way down from John O’Groats.
Ashley expressed his gratitude to those in the Highlands while passing through Inverness and reaching John O’Groats. He said: “I truly felt the Scottish warrior spirit with the bagpipes playing and drums beating. It was quite an overwhelming experience due to the outpour of physical support and online donations that we received.”
After completing the first half of his mammoth trek, Ashley said: “If I cannot hold my daughter in my arms anymore, I will make sure that everyday I will hold her in my heart, in my spirit and in my actions.
“And if I am a fraction of how special she was, a lot of truly incredible things will happen on this earth that will help, inspire and save people’s lives.
“No human being in the history of the world since dinosaurs roamed this land has completed this challenge, and I think I will be the first. Not because I’m strong, not because I am brave, but because I love a little girl more than anything in this world.
“Honouring my hero in heaven, being a hero to my son on earth, fighting for a brighter future for our children fighting cancer and making my people of this world know that through pain, grief and trauma, you can forge light bright enough.”
Mr Cain’s campaign has so far raised £75,733 of a £100,000 target. Donations can be made here.
His progress can be tracked live via GeoTracks here.
