Heartbroken fans have lined the streets to say goodbye to The Wanted star Tom Parker.
The singer sadly died on March 30 at the age of 33, after being diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour in October 2020.
Tom is being laid to rest today in a private service in Petts Wood, Orpington, where family and friends will get to pay tribute to his life.
Dozens of people are lining the streets in Petts Wood, south-east London to pay their respects to The Wanted star Tom Parker.
The 33-year-old’s funeral is taking place this morning following his death last month. pic.twitter.com/YS1C9ouF6u
— Greatest Hits Radio London News (@GHRLondonNews) April 20, 2022
The funeral of The Wanted star Tom Parker is taking place in south-east London this morning.
Fans of the singer are expected to gather outside to pay their respects. pic.twitter.com/8YOaKZE4x1
— Greatest Hits Radio London News (@GHRLondonNews) April 20, 2022
The funeral of Tom Parker is being held today in South East London.
Tom, star of @thewanted, died last month from brain cancer aged 33.
Lots of fans are here already… as well as people who were inspired by his brain cancer campaigning. @itvlondon pic.twitter.com/Wvx3OJR4fK
— Sam Holder (@samholdertv) April 20, 2022
Susan and Kevin’s son Daniel died from brain cancer.
They live nearby and wanted to come and show support for Tom Parker’s family. @itvlondon pic.twitter.com/51zHEM669M
— Sam Holder (@samholdertv) April 20, 2022
In an Instagram post last week, Tom’s wife Kelsey Parker encouraged fans of her late husband to gather outside his private funeral service, saying it would be “beautiful” to see his fans “line the route” to the church.
Dozens of fans showed up to line the route of his funeral procession today, and they will be able to watch the moving service on large TV screens outside the church this morning.
Kelsey wrote on Instagram last week: “There will be a 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 launched a fundraiser in memory of Tom earlier this month, starting a GoFundMe page and asking fans to donate to it rather than send gifts or flowers.
She wrote in a recent post on Instagram alongside a sweet candid photo of her and Tom: “Words can’t express how much all of your love and support means right now. We are overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity.”
“We have set up a donations page for those of you wishing to donate in Tom’s memory. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts ❤️ In loving memory of my husband Tom Parker.”
In a statement earlier this month, the mum-of-two wrote: “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.”
“As many of you know, Tom was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2020 and on Wednesday 30th March 2022 he passed away peacefully with all of his closest friends and family by his side.”
“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 2 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 2 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…” Kelsey added.
