TOM Parker’s best friend and band mate, Max George, shared a heartbreaking message on his Instagram as the GoFundMe page raises thousands
The singer, 33, died on Wednesday afternoon after he was diagnosed with “inoperable” glioblastoma in October 2020.
The heartbroken singer shared photos of his pal alongside an emotional post that left their fans in tears yesterday.
Max, who was by Tom’s side when he passed away from brain cancer aged 33, shared: “Tom, my brother, my boy, my band mate, my best bud.. You lit up so many lives all over the world but I can only speak on behalf of mine.
“From the minute I met you, I knew this was gonna be a special chapter in my life. I was right. We did everything together, some amazing things, some outrageous things. I’m so proud of what we achieved as band mates and as brothers.
“I’m also proud that I was there the night you met Kels. I remember saying to you, ‘You like her don’t you?’.. to which you replied, ‘Bro, like you wouldn’t believe’. You two really are like peas and carrots.”
Thousands of pounds in donations have poured into a fundraiser set up by The Wanted star Tom Parker’s widow within just 12 hours.
Kelsey Parker created the GoFundMe page on Saturday for people to “keep Tom’s memory alive forever” via donations to charitable causes instead of sending flowers and cards.
The page exceeded its £5,000 target within the first 12 hours, with more than £16,000 raised so far.
Read our Tom Parker blog below for the latest updates…
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More on Tom’s fundraising page
Writing on the fundraising page, Kelsey said: “I am Kelsey Parker, very proud wife of Tom Parker, probably best known for being one fifth of UK boyband The Wanted, but to those who knew him he was my husband, a Daddy, son, brother and friend.
“Our hearts are truly broken, Tom was the centre of our world and we can’t imagine life without him, but one of the biggest sources of comfort over the last two years has been the outpouring of love and support we’ve all received.
“We can’t thank everyone enough for holding Tom, myself and the children in your thoughts and prayers, for lighting candles and sharing beautiful messages of hope and condolence.
“We want to take everyone’s incredible love, support and generosity and turn our grief into something positive and to keep Tom’s memory alive forever.
“We politely request that instead of gifts and flowers, donations are made to this GoFundMe account with all proceeds eventually going to amazing causes in Tom’s name, to help others in need.
“We simply couldn’t have got through the last two years without the help and support we have received and if we can offer it back to others that would be the best way to honour Tom and make our two children, Aurelia and Bodhi proud.
“From the bottom of our hearts, a huge thank you.
“If love alone could have saved Tom, he would have lived forever.”
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Tom Parker’s fundraiser smashes target
THOUSANDS of pounds in donations have poured into a fundraiser set up by The Wanted star Tom Parker’s widow within just 12 hours.
Kelsey Parker created the GoFundMe page on Saturday for people to “keep Tom’s memory alive forever” via donations to charitable causes instead of sending flowers and cards.
The page exceeded its £5,000 target within the first 12 hours, with more than £16,000 raised so far.
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Milica Cosic with you again today. I’ll be bringing you the latest news and updates following Tom Parker’s passing until 10pm tonight.
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Max George pays tribute to his ‘best bud’ Tom
Bandmate and lead singer of The Wanted has shared a heartbreaking message to Tom on his Instagram.
He wrote: “Tom, my brother, my boy, my band mate, my best bud.. You lit up so many lives all over the world but I can only speak on behalf of mine.
“From the minute I met you, I knew this was gonna be a special chapter in my life. I was right. We did everything together, some amazing things, some outrageous things. Im so proud of what we achieved as band mates and as brothers. I’m also proud that I was there the night you met Kels. I remember saying to you, ‘you like her don’t you?’.. to which you replied, ‘bro, like you wouldn’t believe’. You two really are like peas and carrots.
“Thank you for choosing me as your friend. It was an honour from day one. I’m so grateful I was with you until the very end. The courage and dignity I have witnessed over the last few months surpassed the lion I already knew you were.
“The huge hole now left in my life will forever be there, but I know your spirit will live on through your two beautiful babies, your wonderful wife, our music, your fans and in my heart.
“I’m heartbroken beyond words right now and I cannot even begin to imagine what the future holds without you, but whatever I do going forward, even on my darkest days, I can always smile and say, ‘I shared the stage with Tom Parker’.
“I am going to miss you so much. I love you mate. Always. George.”
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The symptoms of glioblastoma
The symptoms can initially be quite non-specific. The brain controls so many different functions that the symptoms someone experiences will depend partly on where the tumour is.
People may confuse their symptoms for various other problems, such as stress or even a hangover.
The symptoms can get worse very quickly, sometimes progressing to unconsciousness.
Brain Tumour Research says tumours increase pressure in the skull, causing headaches.
Other symptoms to look for are:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Mood swings
- Problems speaking
- Problems with memory or concentration
- Seizures
- Impaired vision
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Explained: Who is Tom Parker’s wife Kelsey Hardwick?
Kelsey is a dancer and actress who runs performing arts school, K2K Stars Performing Arts Academy.
Tom got engaged to Kelsey Hardwick in 2016.
They married in July 2018 in a romantic ceremony in the grounds of Ridge Farm in Surrey surrounded by their family and closest friends.
Following his death, he tragically leaves behind children Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one.
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Tom’s bandmates on their tributes
Along with George who posted his tribute on social media today, Nathan Sykes, Siva Kaneswaran and Jay McGuiness also shared their tributes to Parker.
Sykes described Parker as “the most passionate, funny, driven and inspiring person you could wish to meet”.
Kaneswaran also wrote: “Thank you for letting us see you light up the world.”
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What celebrities have had a glioblastoma?
In March 2022, The Wanted band member Tom Parker died of a glioblastoma at the age of 33.
The star was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour in 2020 and given just 18 months to live.
The former minister for public health and culture secretary Tessa Jowell also died in May 2018 of a glioblastoma.
She was diagnosed one year prior, and went public about the cancer on her birthday in September 2017.
The brave mum said she was “not afraid” and wanted to raise awareness about the realities of the cancer.
For more information, visit Brain Tumour Research.
-
Explained: What is glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma is the most common high grade cancerous primary brain tumour in adults.
The cancer begins in the brain and almost never spreads to other parts of the body. However, it’s complexity makes it difficult to treat.
It is also resistant to treatment, as the cells within the tumour are not all of the same type.
There are no known causes of glioblastoma, as is the case with most brain tumours, therefore, there is no clear way to prevent the disease.
The first line of treatment is surgery to try and cut the tumour out. However, because glioblastomas “diffuse”, meaning they invade healthy cells around them, it’s very difficult to remove the tumour without harming healthy parts of the brain.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be helpful to stop the tumour cells growing and spreading. But despite the high intensity of the treatment, the cancer usually recurs.
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Tom bought ‘forever home’ months before his death
TOM Parker hoped he had years to live and bought his “forever home” months before his death.
The Wanted star spoke about his plans for the future with wife Kelsey and his kids Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one, in Channel 4 documentary Inside My Head that aired in November.
The 33-year-old singer married Kelsey in 2018, and the couple visited the property with cameras, before moving in to the beautiful home.
Tom shared his dream of living there for years to come, saying: “This is gonna be our forever home.
“It’s important for me that obviously the kids and Kels have got somewhere nice to grow up.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen with my health over the next few years, so as long as they’re alright and they’re all good here, that’s all that matters.
“We’re all going to grow old together here, fingers crossed.”
He added: “Been through tough times to be honest and I’m preparing to buy a place like this, who would have thought? I’m proud of myself.
“This house represents a new start for me, I feel like this house has been lovingly looked after. I feel like there’s been a family grown here, and hopefully this is what our family is going to do.”
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Princess Diana’s brother shares urgent plea after Tom’s death
Following the passing of Tom Parker last week, Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, has shared an urgent plea.
The Earl’s grandmother, Cynthia, died of a brain tumour in 1972 in her seventies, and his message reflected that so much more needs to be done when it comes to securing money for brain tumour research.
The Earl wrote: “More funding is needed to fund research into brain tumours. So many young people are taken by this relentless disease.
“Condolences to all who loved and admired the talented Tom Parker.”
He also reflected on his hope for the future of research, writing, “I’m proud to be a patron of @BrainTumourOrg which is doing great things & aims to do even more.”
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Tom & Kelsey had plans for more children
In their final interview, Tom and Kelsey had revealed plans for two more children
Kelsey told OK! Magazine: “We are planning for more children – I’ve always wanted a big family and I think we’ll end up with four.
“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.”
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Tom’s brave reply about not seeing kids grow up after diagnosis (Continued…)
Speaking about telling the heartbreaking news to his children, Tom 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.”
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Tom’s brave reply about not seeing kids grow up after diagnosis
Speaking about his diagnosis, Tom bravely opened about the day he was given the news, treatment and how he was readjusting his life.
Speaking to 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.
“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.”
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om’s final messages about holiday plans with Kieran Hayler
TOM Parker was planning to enjoy a dream holiday in Mexico, just weeks before he passed away.
Katie Price’s ex Kieran Hayler has revealed that Tom contacted him recently to ask about the paradise destination.
Kieran, who was friends with The Wanted singer, took to instagram, where he shared a throwback snap of him with Tom in happier times.
The picture showed Tom looking cool in a black leather jacket with the collar turned up and a white t-shirt underneath, while Kieran wore a white bomber jacket with the American flag on the arm.
He put a broken heart emoji on the image, and wrote: “@tomparkerofficial only just messaging me a few weeks ago about Mexico and now your gone so sad.”
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Thank you for reading my coverage on the blog today.
I’ll be back with you from 10am tomorrow.
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Explained: Who is Tom Parker’s wife Kelsey Hardwick?
Kelsey is a dancer and actress who runs performing arts school, K2K Stars Performing Arts Academy.
Tom got engaged to Kelsey Hardwick in 2016.
They married in July 2018 in a romantic ceremony in the grounds of Ridge Farm in Surrey surrounded by their family and closest friends.
Following his death, he tragically leaves behind children Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one.
Tom Parker pictured with his wife Kelsey and daughter AureliaCredit: Instagram -
Tom’s bandmates on their tributes
Along with George who posted his tribute on social media today, Nathan Sykes, Siva Kaneswaran and Jay McGuiness also shared their tributes to Parker.
Sykes described Parker as “the most passionate, funny, driven and inspiring person you could wish to meet”.
Kaneswaran also wrote: “Thank you for letting us see you light up the world.”
-
What celebrities have had a glioblastoma?
In March 2022, The Wanted band member Tom Parker died of a glioblastoma at the age of 33.
The star was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour in 2020 and given just 18 months to live.
The former minister for public health and culture secretary Tessa Jowell also died in May 2018 of a glioblastoma.
She was diagnosed one year prior, and went public about the cancer on her birthday in September 2017.
The brave mum said she was “not afraid” and wanted to raise awareness about the realities of the cancer.
For more information, visit Brain Tumour Research.
-
The symptoms of glioblastoma
The symptoms can initially be quite non-specific. The brain controls so many different functions that the symptoms someone experiences will depend partly on where the tumour is.
People may confuse their symptoms for various other problems, such as stress or even a hangover.
The symptoms can get worse very quickly, sometimes progressing to unconsciousness.
Brain Tumour Research says tumours increase pressure in the skull, causing headaches.
Other symptoms to look for are:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of balance
- Mood swings
- Problems speaking
- Problems with memory or concentration
- Seizures
- Impaired vision
-
Explained: What is glioblastoma?
Glioblastoma is the most common high grade cancerous primary brain tumour in adults.
The cancer begins in the brain and almost never spreads to other parts of the body. However, it’s complexity makes it difficult to treat.
It is also resistant to treatment, as the cells within the tumour are not all of the same type.
There are no known causes of glioblastoma, as is the case with most brain tumours, therefore, there is no clear way to prevent the disease.
The first line of treatment is surgery to try and cut the tumour out. However, because glioblastomas “diffuse”, meaning they invade healthy cells around them, it’s very difficult to remove the tumour without harming healthy parts of the brain.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can be helpful to stop the tumour cells growing and spreading. But despite the high intensity of the treatment, the cancer usually recurs.
-
Max George pays tribute to his ‘best bud’ Tom
Bandmate and lead singer of The Wanted has shared a heartbreaking message to Tom on his Instagram.
He wrote: “Tom, my brother, my boy, my band mate, my best bud.. You lit up so many lives all over the world but I can only speak on behalf of mine.
“From the minute I met you, I knew this was gonna be a special chapter in my life. I was right. We did everything together, some amazing things, some outrageous things. Im so proud of what we achieved as band mates and as brothers. I’m also proud that I was there the night you met Kels. I remember saying to you, ‘you like her don’t you?’.. to which you replied, ‘bro, like you wouldn’t believe’. You two really are like peas and carrots.
“Thank you for choosing me as your friend. It was an honour from day one. I’m so grateful I was with you until the very end. The courage and dignity I have witnessed over the last few months surpassed the lion I already knew you were.
“The huge hole now left in my life will forever be there, but I know your spirit will live on through your two beautiful babies, your wonderful wife, our music, your fans and in my heart.
“I’m heartbroken beyond words right now and I cannot even begin to imagine what the future holds without you, but whatever I do going forward, even on my darkest days, I can always smile and say, ‘I shared the stage with Tom Parker’.
“I am going to miss you so much. I love you mate. Always. George.”
-
Tom’s brave reply about not seeing kids grow up after diagnosis (Continued…)
Speaking about telling the heartbreaking news to his children, Tom 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’s brave reply about not seeing kids grow up after diagnosis
Speaking about his diagnosis, Tom bravely opened about the day he was given the news, treatment and how he was readjusting his life.
Speaking to 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.
“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.”
-
Princess Diana’s brother shares urgent plea after Tom’s death
Following the passing of Tom Parker last week, Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, has shared an urgent plea.
The Earl’s grandmother, Cynthia, died of a brain tumour in 1972 in her seventies, and his message reflected that so much more needs to be done when it comes to securing money for brain tumour research.
The Earl wrote: “More funding is needed to fund research into brain tumours. So many young people are taken by this relentless disease.
“Condolences to all who loved and admired the talented Tom Parker.”
He also reflected on his hope for the future of research, writing, “I’m proud to be a patron of @BrainTumourOrg which is doing great things & aims to do even more.”
