A routine injury reveals a rare and life-altering illness, and now Zak’s family seeks support for other children battling cancer.

A two-year-old boy from Crawley, West Sussex, had his world turned upside down when a seemingly minor injury—a stubbed toe—led to a devastating cancer diagnosis. Zak’s parents, Amina and Suhaib, were initially concerned when the small injury failed to heal. After months of slow recovery, the family sought medical advice, and Zak was eventually given a blood test that confirmed their worst fears: he had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

Zak was immediately admitted to The Royal Marsden Hospital in London, where he began an intensive chemotherapy and steroid treatment plan. At one point, he was receiving chemotherapy nearly every day, leading to hair loss and a dramatic shift in his young life. Despite the ongoing treatment, which includes monthly chemotherapy sessions and six-monthly lumbar punctures, Zak remains a source of joy and resilience for his family.

“He’s playful, joyful, and active,” said Amina. “He loves riding bikes, swimming, and playing football. He never sits still.”

Even in the face of such a challenging diagnosis, Zak’s family found comfort in a sensory teddy bear from Cancer Support UK. The lavender-scented heatable bear has become a source of solace for Zak, helping him through difficult moments and offering comfort during his treatment.

Zak’s family, deeply moved by the teddy bear’s impact, is now involved in a campaign to raise funds for Cancer Support UK. The goal is to provide more children undergoing treatment with these comforting bears, which Zak’s mother says has brought much-needed joy into their lives. “He finds great comfort holding his cuddly teddy when he goes to sleep,” Amina added.