Singer Tom Parker first became know to the British public for being one fifth of popular boyband The Wanted.
Winning the hearts of several young teens across the globe, the band went on to achieve chart topping success with their singles Glad You Came and All Time Low.
Forming in 2009, the group’s self titled debut album, The Wanted released in 2010 peaked at number four on the UK Albums Chart.
But although things were going great for the lads, in January 2014 fans were shocked when they announced that they would be taking a hiatus in order to pursue individual solo projects.
(Image: Getty Images North America)
Now away from the glitz and glam from the showbiz world, band member Tom found love with Kelsey Hardwick and the pair tied the knot in 2018. A year later they welcomed their first child and their second in 2020.
But things took a turn for the worse for Tom last year, when he discovered that he had been diagnosed with an inoperable stage 4 glioblastoma.
As the band prepare to reunite for their gig to raise more awareness on the aggressive cancer, Daily Star has taken a deeper look inside Tom’s health battle and how he is now on the path to recovery.
Brain tumour announcement
(Image: Tom Parker/Instagram)
In October 2020, Tom, 33, announced to fans that he had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
Only aged 32 at the time he shared his shocking news, Tom’s supporters were left stunned by the star’s proclamation.
Revealing his news to his fans online in a joint statement with his wife Kelsey, the star said: “There’s no easy way to say this but I’ve sadly been diagnosed with a Brain Tumour and I’m already undergoing treatment.”
“We are all absolutely devastated but we are gonna fight this all the way. We don’t want your sadness, we just want love and positivity and together we will raise awareness of this terrible disease and look for all available treatment options.”
He added: “It’s gonna be a tough battle but with everyone’s love and support we are going to beat this.”
Sharing his battle with fans
(Image: Instagram/Tomparker)
Tom has been very open with his fans regarding his fight with cancer and has regularly documented his journey online.
December last year, the singer uploaded an image of himself with a plaster on the side of his head and wrote: “Two days after this picture was taken, I was told I had a stage 4 brain tumour. It turned my world upside down.. I don’t really remember them earlier days of when I was told. I was living in such a haze.
“But I’ve come a long way even in such a short space of time. Thank you all for your love and support over the last few months. And again thank you to our friends and family who have really come together and helped wherever needed with the kids and helping with the house.”
(Image: Instagram)
He continued to give thanks to those around him and promised to keep his fans updated.
He said: “My incredible manager @damiensanders1973 who I drive insane 24/7 has put himself out of his way to help me and kels through this difficult period. To my beautiful wife who has managed to cope with the tears, and looking after an 18 month old and a new born @being_kelsey she’s the true warrior here!
“I promise to keep you updated with how things are progressing over the next few months. And here’s hoping for a fantastic 2021.”
Raising awareness
(Image: WireImage)
Since being diagnosed with glioblastoma, which is an aggressive type of cancer, the singer has remained positive and has been involved in charitable work to help raise more awareness.
Organised by Tom himself, The Wanted are due to play in a charity gig to help to raise funds for research into brain cancers.
The band’s reunion is even more poignant due to the death of Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding, who was also diagnosed with cancer in 2020.
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Taking to Instagram to share the news he penned: “You may have heard I’ve been filming a documentary for Channel 4 titled ‘Tom Parker, Inside my Head’ Well now I’m very proud to announce ‘Tom Parker, Inside My Head – The Concert’ at The Royal Albert Hall on Monday September 20th.
“I’ve got some truly amazing artists lined up to perform, it’s going to be a very special night.”
Tom also said: “We are doing all we can to try and beat this disease but there’s no guarantees with it… so [I’m] just doing what I can, raising awareness.”
Band member Max George recently shared his views on Tom’s health battle and mentioned that he’s looking forward to working with him.
Fighting on
(Image: BBC)
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In a recent interview with BBC Breakfast the father-of-two declared he’s no longer going to pay attention to heart wrenching disease.
Instead he’s going to continue focusing on his family and living his life the best way he can.
Tom said candidly: “It’s not that I’m ignoring cancer but I just don’t want to pay it any attention.
“The more attention you pay it, the more it consumes your life and I don’t want to consume my life.
“I’ve got kids, I’ve got family. So I just try and just ignore it as much as possible.”
All proceeds from Tom Parker’s Inside My Head will be split equally between Stand Up To Cancer and the National Brain Appeal.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
