Kelsey Parker and members of The Wanted have been pictured leading mourners at Tom Parker's celebration of life. The singer, who shot to fame as one-fifth of the pop boyband, tragically died aged just 33 last month surrounded by his family.
Tom's widow, who he married in 2018 and with who he shared two children, Aurelia, two, and one-year-old son Bodhi, announced the news of his death on March 30 with a statement posted on Instagram alongside a grey and white picture of the singer, from Bolton.
His passing came after Tom was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in 2020. He revealed the news of his diagnosis to fans in October 2020 when his wife, Kelsey, was pregnant with their second child. "Our hearts are broken, Tom was the centre of our world and we can't imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence," Kelsey said in the statement.
"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."
Kelsey led a cortege featuring three black horses through Petts Wood in south-east London on Wednesday morning. Wearing dark black sunglasses and a glittery blazer, the mum-of-two clung on to two family members as she walked down the street to St Francis of Assisi church.
Flowers spelling out the word "Daddy" adorned the side of the carriage while a flowered sign that spelled the word "Tom" in red roses was attached to the front. Family and close friends of the star gathered in The Sovereign Of The Seas pub opposite the funeral parlour before the procession began.
Outside St Francis of Assisi church, flowers spelled out the words "Glad You Came", the title of The Wanted’s 2011 hit that went to number one in multiple countries.
Max Geroge, Nathan Sykes, Siva Kaneswaran, and Jay McGuinness were also pictured arriving for the funeral after sharing their heartbreak at the loss of their 'brother' last month.
They were joined by hundreds of fans who lined the streets for a procession ahead of the funeral, at the request of Kelsey. She invited them to pay their respects outside what is a private ceremony. She added in a statement earlier this month that those outside could watch the service outside on screens relaying the ceremony.
The statement said: "There will be private celebration of life on Wednesday 20th April. We know many of you would like to pay your respects as well, so would love for you to join us in Petts Woods from 10am. It would be beautiful to have everyone line the route as we head to our private service.
"You are then welcome to join us outside the church for the duration where the service will be relayed on screens." Kelsey also created a GoFundMe page following her husband’s death to 'keep Tom’s memory alive forever' via donations to charitable causes instead of sending flowers and cards.
