The Story behind Zak’s

Zak’s is named after our beloved Son and Brother Zak. Zak was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer called Medulloblastoma in 2013. After a 2 year battle, Zak sadly passed away aged 8 in 2015.

Anyone who knew Zak knew how much he loved his family, friends and culture. Being half Moroccan, we spent many summers in Morocco indulging in their local cuisine. There is no better way to remember Zak and honour his time with us than through meaningful moments shared with those you love over a good Moroccan tagine.

 

Throughout Zak’s battle with Medulloblastoma, we were lucky enough to meet some amazing people who work for truly exceptional charities.

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice

The first most important Charity for us was Noah’s Ark Childrens Charity. Located in Barnet, Noah’s Ark sent their play workers three times a week to come and play with Zak at our home or often at Barnet or Great Ormand Street Hospital where we spent weeks on end when receiving new bouts of treatment.

The joy these sessions brought not only to Zak but to our entire family was a true gift. The kindness, resilience and dedication the play workers gave to each encounter with Zak was incredible. Their jobs are extremely difficult and it takes a special kind of person to bring such joy at a time so devastating for poorly children and their families.

Noahs Ark have finally built North London’s first children’s hospice and continue to provide moments of happiness and respite for tired parents day in and day out.

Please take a look at their good work on their website and take it from a family who knows, this is truly a charity to be a part of.

https://www.noahsarkhospice.org.uk

Supershoes

Supershoes design hand-painted converse for children with cancer portraying all their favourite things. They kindly gifted Zak a pair which he wore constantly! They also invited Zak to a toy prototype warehouse where Zak was able to explore where Nerf Gun was created and get to make some 3D toys of his own. A truly memorable day for Zak.

https://www.supershoes.org.uk

The Magical Taxi Tour

Another fantastic charity providing a magical experience we were lucky enough to have with Zak. The Magical Taxi Tour along with Hackney Carriage Drivers drive a child with a life threatening illness on a 3 day trip to Disney Land Paris. Zak had the most amazing time and our Taxi driver who kindly dedicated his time and taxi to this amazing cause became a dear friend by the end of the trip. They rely entirely on sponsors to make this once in a lifetime trip for many possible.

https://www.magicaltaxitour.com