After fighting against inoperable brain tumour in secret, The Wanted's Tom Parker decided to tell the world about the aggressive cancer before his death. Speaking about his diagnosis, Tom, who died on Wednesday surrounded by his family and friends, bravely opened about the day he was given the news, treatment and how he was readjusting his life.
Along with wife Kelsey, he discussed his determination to beat the tumour and live as long as possible to see his children grow up. But when asked if he had got his head around the idea that he may not get to see them become adults, he gave a determined answer.
As reported by OK! magazine, he said: "No, because I’m going to be here, I’m going to fight this." Kelsey added: "We have to stay positive. The prognosis is based on much older people, as this usually affects those 50-plus.
Read more: The Wanted's Tom Parker dies aged 33 after brain tumour battle
"Tom is a young, otherwise fit and healthy guy and he has a much better chance of fighting this and benefiting from some of the new treatments out there."
The couple also revealed their heart-breaking plan for telling their children about Tom's illness. He said: "I’m sure if there is a right point we will talk to her 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."
Tom passed away surrounded by his family and bandmates on Wednesday, aged just 33. He disclosed in October 2020 that he had been diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma and had begun radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Despite his diagnosis, in recent weeks he had performed on stage with his bandmates as part of their much-delayed reunion tour. A statement on The Wanted’s Instagram page said: “Max, Jay, Siva, Nathan and the whole Wanted family are devastated by the tragic and premature loss of our bandmate Tom Parker, who passed away peacefully at lunchtime today surrounded by his family and his band mates.
“Tom was an amazing husband to Kelsey, and father to Aurelia and Bodhi. He was our brother, words can’t express the loss and sadness we feel. Always and forever in our hearts.”
His widow, Kelsey Parker, formerly Hardwick, said the hearts of his family were broken by his death. She 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.” He had been married to Hardwick since 2018 and they welcomed their son, Bodhi, in October last year.
Their daughter, Aurelia Rose, was born in 2019. During an appearance on This Morning, Parker joked that they were hoping for another. In January 2021, he announced in an Instagram post that there had been a “significant reduction” in the size of the tumour and that he was “responding well to treatment”.
Parker appeared alongside his bandmates at a Stand Up To Cancer in December, marking the first time they have performed together since 2014. The group, best known for hits Glad You Came, Chasing The Sun and All Time Low, also recently released a greatest hits album, entitled Most Wanted – The Greatest Hits.
Parker used his platform to campaign for better treatments for those suffering brain traumas.
