Tom Parker had been planning how to tell his kids about his devastating diagnosis before he died.
The Wanted star tragically passed away on Wednesday after a battle with terminal brain cancer glioblastoma.
Tom, who had appeared on stage with his bandmates just weeks ago for their tour, was surrounded by them and his family members while he died peacefully.
The 33-year-old singer had previously explained how he 'dragged himself out of darkness' for his two kids, two-year-old daughter Aurelia and 15-month Bodhi.
Tom was given the devastating diagnosis while his wife Kelsey was pregnant with their second child Bodhi, who became a "light at the end of the tunnel" for the couple.
While Bodhi, who was born in October 2020, was far too young to understand what was happening, Tom revealed that daughter Aurelia was starting to notice something was happening.
Get the news you want straight to your inbox. Sign up for a Mirror newsletter here .
During his illness, Tom and Kelsey spoke about how they would one day break the news to the children.
Speaking to OK! magazine in October 2020, he said: "I’m sure if there is a right point we will talk to [Aurelia] about it. She’s still so young, though.
Kelsey added: "We were discussing this the other day and we said we will tell the kids, especially while Tom’s undergoing treatment.
"When we came back from the appointment in King’s College, where we had everything confirmed, Aurelia was being such a minx.
"We didn’t come in crying but she knew – she just picks up on moods.
"She knows something is happening and that’s why I think you just have to be as normal as possible. We’ll explain more when she’s old enough to understand Daddy’s not well."
When Bodhi was born, after Kelsey went into labour watching an episode of TOWIE, she explained that their son's name meant "enlightenment"
"So it just goes perfectly with our situation right now. He's the light at the end of our tunnel," she said.
Revealing her husband wasn't initially keen on the name, Kelsey added: "Tom didn't want the name. I said, ‘Tom, I don't care what you say – we're having Bodhi and that's it.’"
Kelsey also explained that she wanted their kids to realise that the world isn't always a happy place but there is always hope.
She added: "I want them to know that life isn’t always rosy, but we get through it. I know we will say, 'Dad has a brain tumour but he is fighting it'."
The couple had been planning to have more children, but sadly their wish to have a family of six will not come true.
"We are planning for more children – I’ve always wanted a big family and I think we’ll end up with four," Kelsey said previously.
"There’s only a 16-month age gap between our two children and it’s definitely been a lot, even without taking into account our circumstances, so I won’t be having children that close in age again – doing that once was enough."
There is absolutely no doubting how much Tom loved his two kids, who were vitally important in helping him battle cancer.
While appearing on Channel 4's Stand Up To Cancer last October, Tom vowed to help and support others who were suffering by raising funds for the charity and opened up on his own struggle.
"Cancer can consume you very quickly and very easily," he explained, "There was a time at the start of this journey where I couldn't get out of bed. I was so consumed by cancer. It wasn't the physical side of things, it was the mental side of things.
"I kept thinking 'I'm going to die, so what's the point in getting out of bed?'"
However, Tom was adamant he was going to fight for his children and said the whole battle he was going through put life into perspective.
"I had to [drag myself out of the darkness], for my kids," he explained. "I had two under two and a wife. You have to pick yourself up and get on with it. It gives you perspective. It makes things so clear.
"You realise the important things in life. And how the small things are what matter."
The news of Tom's tragic death was confirmed by Kelsey in a heartbreaking statement, in which she mentioned how he would remain an important part of their children's lives.
Kelsey wrote on Instagram : "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side.
"Our hearts are broken.
"Tom was the centre of our world and we can’t imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence.
"We are truly thankful for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we all unite to ensure Tom’s light continues to shine for his beautiful children.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported in his care throughout, he fought until the very end. I’m forever proud of you."
Do you have a story to share? Email webfeatures@trinitymirror.com
