18 December 2025
A backpack that brings normal life back to Bashaar
When a child is going through cancer treatment, “normal life” can feel very far away. But thanks to the CADD (Computerised Ambulatory Delivery Device) pump, some children are able to receive part of their treatment at home – giving families precious moments of everyday life away from the hospital.
Freedom in a backpack
The CADD pump is worn in a specially designed backpack and allows treatment to continue safely outside the ward. For Bashaar and his family, this has meant fewer long hospital stays and more time together at home.
Those short periods of normality makes a huge difference. Bashaar can enjoy family time, take part in everyday activities and visit amusement parks – all while continuing his treatment.
Bashaar and his dad, Taoheed, have shared their story to support this year’s Christmas Appeal, which aims to fund projects and improvements like the CADD pumps that support patients and families across Southampton Children’s Hospital.
A unique young boy
Taoheed is dad to seven-year-old Bashaar, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just two and a half years old. He describes his son as a truly unique and admirable child, especially in the way he has faced years of treatment and repeated hospital visits:
“At the hospital, the way he carries himself, he always makes it easy for the nurses, the carers and even the doctors. I think it’s one of the reasons he’s been able to come so far with his treatment – he doesn’t complain. He just does what he’s told to do. He’s very tolerant. He’s very unique.” – Taoheed
For more than three years, Southampton Children’s Hospital has been a constant presence in the family’s life. Like many parents of children with cancer, Taoheed had to stop working for a long period, simply to be there – attending appointments, providing care and holding the family together.
When hospital becomes everyday life
Extended hospital stays affect far more than a child’s health. They disrupt family routines, place strain on relationships and leave parents carrying an enormous emotional weight. Bashaar’s family coped as best they could, but life often felt confined to the ward.
That began to change when Bashaar was introduced to the CADD pump. The CADD pump has meant that Bashaar can spend less time in hospital and more time away from the ward, doing what he loves:
“The bag itself helped a lot… The impact was huge. Without the bag, he’d probably not be able to leave the hospital, because treatment would need to be given as an inpatient.” – Taoheed
Those days at home offer more than convenience. They restore moments of normal family life at a time when normality can feel out of reach:
“The bag allows us to move freely. Anything that takes parents away from the hospital, even for a few days, is gold.” – Taoheed
Why your donation matters
CADD pump backpacks are funded through charitable donations. Every one provided means another family can spend precious time at home, rather than on a ward:
“Anything that alleviates worry for parents is huge. Parents already carry so much.” – Taoheed
Help parents like Taoheed and children like Bashaar. Find out more about our Christmas Appeal and how your support can fund care and innovation that make a difference.