Tom Parker’s family and friends were joined by hundreds of fans for his funeral in south-east London on Wednesday.
The Wanted star’s bandmates Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness and Nathan Sykes were pictured carrying the star’s black coffin adorned with lilies into the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Church in Petts Wood after the funeral procession.
Kelsey was the widow of the pop singer and he wed her in 2018. She fell apart as she led three horses on a Cortege through Petts Wood with her parents, arm in arm.
Oasis’ Champagne Supernova song was played while the coffin was carried into church. As Tom passed away, it was revealed that he asked his bandmates, friends and family to play the Oasis song “Live Forever” as part of his last moments.
The Wanted bandmember died on March 30 aged 33 surrounded by his loved ones and bandmates, following a two-year battle with stage 4 glioblastoma.
Loss: Tom Parker’s The Wanted bandmates Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness and Nathan Sykes were pictured carrying the star’s black coffin into the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Church in Petts Wood for his funeral on Wednesday
Tears: Earlier, the pop singer’s widow, Kelsey, whom he married in 2018, broke down as she watched the funeral procession with her parents and Tom’s mum and dad (right)
Kelsey played a prerecorded message to his funeral. It included anecdotes of how they first met in a nightclub. He was then famous for The Wanted.
As she spoke, the congregation burst into laughter. “Tom said that he was going be famous and would not have any time for a girl but that he would never leave me.”
“I’ll treasure all the memories because I never had a dull moment with you. Your creativity was endless. You created new songs and game shows. We all know your love for inventions. I’m sure you felt disappointed that you didn’t make it to Dragons Den.
“Marrying You was the greatest day of my Life… Soulmates that’s who we are.
Tragic: A Wanted musician died Wednesday, March 30, at 33. Surrounded by his loved ones, he was surrounded and mourned. This happened after a 2-year fight with stage 4 glioblastoma.
The singer lost his widow Kelsey in 2018. He married her in 2018. She was walking with her parents arm-in-arm as they led a cortege of three horses and black horses through Petts Wood.
Max George paid tribute to his late bandmate Max George and the influence he had upon The Wanted with an emotionally charged speech during the funeral.
Following his role as pallbearer, he stated to attendees: “I could actually hear him saying,” “It is about time,” as he had been carrying us for 12 years.
“Tom was always a brother. He made such an impression from the beginning. His passion for music was unmatched by anyone else’s.
Pallbearers: Tom’s The Wanted friends were seen carrying the coffin in black into the church following the funeral procession
George also laughed that Parker was The Wanted’s only bandmate who’d had a punch-up with them all, which prompted laughter among the audience.
He continued, “Everything that he did, even though it was a battle, he managed to get away with it, because it was Tom.”
“I could tell you so many things about Tom. His laugh will be something I’ll always treasure. His love for laughing made us laugh every day.
Close: Jay McGuinness was moved to tears when he attempted to help his bandmates, as well as other pallbearers, carry the coffin into Church.
Max George, Max’s pallbearer was before giving an emotional speech during the funeral service to the mourners
“He was too young to be with us, and we’ll miss him very much. His credit is due to the many people outside and all over the globe. You can rest easy, mate.
Tom’s friends wore black suits as they comforted one another while waiting to transport the coffin. Nathan, who had his thick hair in a ponytail and wrapped his arm around Max’s head, wore a loose-fitting cap that was low to his forehead.
After they were attached to the carriage’s side, flowers spelling the words Daddy from Tom’s two children Aurelia (two) and Bodhi (one), were carefully transported into the church.
The hearse’s front was adorned with a red rose-colored flower sign, which spells the name Tom in red roses.
As the procession passed, Kelsey was supported by her family. She was wearing sunglasses.
Family: Tom Parker’s parents Noreen Parker (Nigel Parker) were seen holding hands while they stood next to Kelsey, her dad and mum.
Support: Kelsey was dressed in a shiny tuxedo jacket, while her family matched with their colourful shirts.
Kelsey led mourners. Under her sparkling tuxedo jacket, she wore a black jumpsuit
Hit makers: Throughout his adult years Tom was instantly recognisable to many teenager and young people thanks to the success of his band
Friends and Bandmates: Tom was last seen performing with his band just two weeks before his death.
Black-clad fans gathered on the High Street and became silent when his coffin was taken into the carriage by horse-drawn horses.
Many people were crying as the black coffin, with a spray of lilies on top, was taken from W Uden & Sons funeral parlour to the church.
Parker’s photograph was displayed in a rose-adorned white frame. Inside the carriage were photographs of Parker’s handprints as well as multi-coloured flowers.
Many cheered and applauded the Parker’s family as they walked to the church behind the carriage, led by Kelsey Parker’s widow.
Parker, 33 years old, died last month surrounded by his loved ones and friends, 17 months after he was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour.
The funeral procession was preceded by family members and friends who were close to the star.
The words “Glad That You Came” were spelled out by flowers outside St Francis of Assisii church. This was The Wanted’s number-one hit in 2011 that reached multiple countries.
Fans arrived wearing personalised t-shirts with the words: ‘This man was a legend a legend of his time’.
Susan Potter from Orpington and Kevin George were both waiting in the street for Tom Parker’s funeral. Their eldest son Daniel, who died from an astrocytoma grade 3 brain tumour at age 22, was killed.
When Ms. Potter was asked if Parker’s final month of campaigning to fund brain tumor research had affected her, she said that it certainly did. She carried a picture of her son and a frame photo. That was how my son handled it.
“In fact, we performed Bon Jovi’s It’s My Life at his funeral. That kind of message – that it’s my (message) – it’s mine, it’s my existence, it’s my daily life. I’m going to make it my own, it’s today.
Band: Wanted star, The Wanted were photographed walking to the Church in Black Suits and Ties
He was by his side: Tom died March 30th. The entire band was with him. As he died, it was revealed that Tom, his bandmates, friends and family listened to the Oasis song “Live Forever” in his last moments.
Before they became pallbearers, the band was seen talking with the funeral director.
Bandmates: Max arrived hand in hand with his girlfriend Stacey Giggs as he joined bandmate Siva
Funeral procession: As the black coffin, with a spray of lilies on top, was taken from W Uden & Sons funeral parlour to the church, fans fell silent along the procession route
Line the streets: The band joined thousands of others to offer their condolences earlier as the hearse traveled through Pett’s Wood, South East London.
The coffin is finally being taken to its final resting place: Fans stood in large numbers and fell silent while the coffin was carried slowly past them
Local: Tom was cremated at his South East London family home. His local community also attended the funeral.
Max was photographed with his fans. Max stood amongst friends and fans of the star during the funeral route.
The funeral procession was led by four horses on the warm day in London
George stated, “It’s great. This is also raising awareness. It has been able to raise a significant amount of funds for its research.
“More cancers than just brain tumours can be eliminated.” There needs to be more research on brain tumors.
Stefanie Marek was a super-fan, having flown in from Austria on Tuesday for the funeral procession. The IT student said that Parker’s fans who waited along the route of the funeral procession had shared fond memories with them over the years.
“I am from Austria and have traveled all the way to London Gatwick because Kelsey announced it. I also saw Tom in Nottingham not long ago, and can’t believe that he has gone. I decided I would come and show my sympathy and pay my respects.
One Direction’s star Liam Payne performed at the Stand Up 2 Cancer charity concert, which Tom organized. He was also present during the service
“They were all very dear to my heart and it’s really hard to see Tom go physically. It’s a shock, particularly at 33 years old.
Kelsey stated that it would be beautiful to have his followers ‘line the route to the place where his friends will pay their respects’.
Kelsey also requested politely that donations be made to her GoFundMe page, rather than sending flowers and gifts. She explained that the funds would go to Tom’s cause.
In an Instagram post, she said: “I’m Kelsey Parker. Tom Parker is most famous for being one-fifth of UK boyband The Wanted. However, to anyone who knew him, I was his husband.
Tom, as many of you are aware, was diagnosed with brain cancer in October 2020. He passed away on Wednesday March 30th 2022 peacefully with all his close friends and family.
Paying their respects: Kelsey had invited mourners to gather outside the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Church in Petts Wood for the 10:45am service, where screens broadcasted the service
Loyal following – Fans in black wept in the waiting room as they waited to see the service begin Wednesday
Tributes: 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
T-shirt tributes: Fans arrived wearing personalised t-shirts with the words: ‘This man was a legend a legend of his time’
Fans: Kelsey said that it would have been ‘beautiful” to see his followers ‘line the route to the venue, where his friends and relatives will pay respects
Hit music: Flowers covered the streets outside the church, where the fans congregated
For the procession, a large tribute floral was made by placing a red rose heart with Tom’s name on top of the hearse
“Our hearts are broken. Tom was our center and can’t even imagine living without him. But, the love and support that we all have received over the past 2 years is the greatest source of comfort.
“We cannot thank you enough for keeping Tom, me, and our children in your prayers and for lighting candles, and for sharing such beautiful condolences and messages of hope.”
Kelsey said that she wants to make the pain into something positive and keep Tom’s memories alive for ever.
We want everyone to feel the love, support, and generosity that we have received and make our loss a positive experience. This will help us keep Tom’s legacy alive. Instead of sending flowers and gifts, we ask that donations be made to the GoFundMe page. All proceeds will go to incredible causes named after Tom, which help those in greatest need.
Tears: As the coffin was passed by, fans broke down and gave applause. Then they fell silent.
Loyal: The fans had traveled all around the world to London to pay their respects for their idol.
Loss: Before the service started, The Wanted’s faithful following shared their memories and hugs with the star.
Kelsey stated that “we simply could not have made it through the past 2 years without all the help and support” and that if they can give it back, then that will be the most fitting way to honor Tom and make their two children Aurelia, and Bodhi, proud.
Her signature read: “From our deepest hearts, thank you.” If love alone could have saved Tom, he would have lived forever…’.
To date, the fundraiser has surpassed the goal by £30,000, with donations amounting to an incredible £58,000 on the day of the funeral .
Tom made sure his family was taken care of by purchasing a “forever home” tour and writing a memoir months before he died from brain cancer at 33.
Support: This funeral will take place in Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Church at Petts Wood at 10.45 am. There screens will also broadcast it.
The brave singer shared every stage of his battle with cancer. In fact, he made it clear that his main priority was to make sure his wife Kelsey and the children Aurelia and Bodhi are safe and secure in the years ahead – even though he knew the future would be uncertain.
The musician spoke on Channel 4’s Inside My Head, which aired November. He said that this was his forever home.
“It is important to me that the children and Kels get somewhere good to grow up.
“I do not know the future of my health, but as long as I’m healthy and happy, it’s okay.
Emotional: Kelsey stated that it would be beautiful to watch his family and friends ‘line up’ for the place where he will pay his respects
Open: Kelsey took to Instagram on Saturday evening with a candid photo of her and her late husband, accompanied by a heartfelt message to their ever-loyal fanbase
“We are all going to age together, fingers crossed.”
His comments were: “I have been through some tough times, and I am now preparing to buy this place. Who would of thought?” “I’m proud of my accomplishments.”
Tom performed at the Stand Up 2 Cancer concert at The Royal Albert Hall in September 2021. He also embarked upon a Greatest Hits Tour with his bandmates after the cancer was declared stable.
A close friend of Tom’s revealed to him that his condition had rapidly deteriorated after the tour ended earlier in this year.
“Tom loved to tour – he wanted to play with the rock stars and join them on stage. According to The Sun, he was performing two songs per night and enjoyed it. But it took a lot out of him.
Brave: Kelsey explained how she she desires to turn the grief into something ‘positive’ and ‘keep Tom’s memory alive forever’
“We were all shocked at how fast Tom was deteriorating during our tour, but Tom had no regrets. He wanted it so badly that he could do it again.”
The Sun received a report from a family friend that Tom, in his last minutes, asked for the Oasis song, ‘Live Forever,’ to be played with him, his friends and his fellow bandmates.
One week ago, the singer died. He had revealed that he was writing a memoir about his fight with brain cancer.
In an Instagram posting, he stated that his book Hope is not about “dying” but rather about “living” and finding hope no matter your situation.
His band’s success made Tom instantly recognisable throughout his adult years.
The Wanted recorded their debut album in October 2010. It reached number four on the UK Albums Chart. They also had three UK top 20 singles.
Later singles that they released in 2012 were a success for the group across Canada and the United States. Glad You Did It was their highest-charting American entry.
After the band had announced their hiatus in 2014, Tom moved his focus to television. He reached the semi-finals of Celebrity Masterchef 2015 and was third on The Jump 2016 skiing competition.
A year later, the singer returned to the stage as Danny Zuko the male lead in Grease’s UK Tour in 2017. This led to him postponing his marriage to Kelsey Hardwick.
After getting engaged in 2016, the couple had planned to tie their knot in 2017.
Despite his successes, Tom didn’t have it all. In fact, he was initially rejected by the X Factor judges in the initial round of auditions.
In 2011, Tom stated to The Metro that all the judges had given him no’s before he reached the chorus of the song he chose (Flying Without Wings, Westlife). This left Tom’shattered.
After his failure to reach the X Factor, Tom took on the role of Mark Owen and formed Take That II. He sang to fifty-year-old men who were smoking outside of workmen’s clubs.
His audition for The Wanted went more positively despite Tom describing him as ‘chavvy’ when he arrived at the audition.
Metro asked Tom: “I arrived wearing a tracksuit, with my hood down, so it looked a bit chavvy. But I played Handbags, Gladrags’ on guitar. Perhaps Jane, our manager at that time saw something special in me.
Tom and Kelsey had two children, Aurelia who was born in 2019, and Bodhi in 2020. Both were born following Tom’s diagnosis of cancer in 2020.
According to the singer, “The children are what get me out of bed in the morning. They bring the positivity out.”
Loss: Tom ensured his young family were provided for by buying a ‘forever home’ touring and writing a memoir just months before his death from brain cancer aged 33 (pictured with wife Kelsey and children Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one)