Kelsey Parker has shared an emotional message on her first Valentine's Day without her husband, Tom. On Tuesday (February 14), the mum-of-two took to Instagram to share a sweet snap of herself with her late partner before his tragic death last March.
Tom, who shot to fame as one-fifth of pop boyband The Wanted, died in March 2022 after being diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma. He shared the news of his diagnosis with fans in October 2020 when Kelsey was pregnant with their second child, son Bodhi.
Kelsey has since shared her grief journey in the six-part documentary series, Kelsey Parker: Life After Tom, which aired on ITVBe at the end of last year. It followed Kelsey and her two children, daughter Aurelia, three, and Bodhi, two, as she navigates their life after the death of her husband and their dad.
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And taking to Instagram today, Kelsey shared a photo of her kissing Tom, who was just 33 when he passed away after battling the incomparable brain tumour, and reflected on how 'lucky' she was to have spent the last 13 Valentine's with her now-late husband and how different her life looks almost a year on.
"This time last year I was full of hope. We were in Spain where Tom was in daily therapy and he was the strongest and healthiest he’d been in a long time," Kelsey typed alongside the sweet snap. "I was lucky enough to spend Valentine’s and another 3 weeks just me and Tom. I never could have known how precious that time was or imagined the pain that was ahead of me and now, a year later, I’m facing the anniversary of a whole year without you Tom."
She went on to share how she had been contemplating 'if and what' to post on Valentine's Day. "My friend asked me what do I want to post and how do I feel? Everything I replied," Kelsey shared in the caption of her post. "I’m angry, sad, lonely, wishing more than anything that none of this happened to us.
"But it did and I’m grateful for the years we had, the love we shared and the babies we made. I’m so grateful for them. They bring me joy every single day. So this Valentine's I guess my message is that if you’re lucky enough to spend it with someone you love, cherish it. Soak it up. Reflect on the importance of your relationship, the love you feel for each other and remember to honour it. You are blessed. We’re all here to love and to be loved."
The mum-of-two went on to share: "If you’re on your own, remember you’re not on your own. Valentines is a day to celebrate love so celebrate all the love in your world, whether it’s romantic or not. I couldn’t feel any more loved by everyone on here who has followed, supported, liked, commented, sent me DM’s when I’ve needed them most.
"My family, my friends, my village - everyone who has got us through the last year. That anniversary is coming and it’s one of the hardest times right now but today I’m going to remember how loved I felt for the last 13 valentines with Tom. The years he went all out, the years we spent a part but so in love and I’m just going to remember how lucky I was."
Kelsey then concluded her post by writing: "I love you Tom. Thank you for the best years of my life #positiveparkersforever." And her celebrity pals, supporters and fans were quick to respond to the post.
Podcast host and author Giovanna Fletcher replied: "Love you so much my friend." Former The Only Way is Essex star Chloe Lewis commented: "Ahh love this Kels." Singer Pixie Lott shared a string of red heart emojis as did former Corrie star Ryan Thomas
@harrison988 said: "An inspirational lady who helps me on my journey, thank you." @debsesposito replied: "You’re truly an inspiration to so many Kelsey. Stay strong for your babies and remember, Tom is forever within them. Sending all the love in the world." @maisytj shared: "That made me cry. From the heart what a beautiful written love felt message. You're brave and beautiful and your very strong. Sending you lots of love this Valentine's Day to you and your babies."
@bettybess84 typed: "Truly beautiful words, on a day that full is full of love but also so hard it was clear to see how much he cherished you. Sending you strength & love." @house0830 added: "Oh Kelsey, what a beautiful post & tribute to Tom. You are simply fabulous! Thinking of you today."
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