Tom Parker, former band member of The Wanted, recently revealed some heartbreaking news – he has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.
“Hey guys, you know that we’ve both been quiet on social media for a few weeks and it’s time to tell you why,” he wrote on Instagram. “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 decided, after a lot of thought, that rather than hiding away and trying to keep it a secret, we would do one interview where we could lay out all the details and let everyone know the facts in our own way,” Tom continued.
“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. It’s gonna be a tough battle but with everyone’s love and support we are going to beat this. Tom and Kelsey xxx”
He also shared more details about his diagnosis in a recent interview.
Talking to OK! Magazine, Tom revealed that he has stage four glioblastoma tumor – and doctors have told him it’s “inoperable.” He also said that the doctors described his condition as the “worst case scenario” and that it was terminal.
However, Tom is doing his best to remain positive. “I’m going to be here. I’m going to fight this.”
Tom and his wife, Kelsey Hardwick, are parents to one-year-old daughter, Aurelia. They’re also expecting their second child together, Kelsey is due to give birth sometime next month.
The Wanted was formed in 2009, but split up in 2014 to pursue other projects. However, Tom’s former bandmates, Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, and Nathan Sykes, have all shown their support for Tom on social media.
“You’ve always been one in a million. 🙄 I love you Tom, let’s get popping 💪,” Jay commented on Tom’s post.
“❤️Let’s do this lad❤️love you buddy🙏🏼,” Siva wrote.
Max went on Instagram to share his support.
“I think the bravery of Tom and Kelsey announcing their situation is incredible. It’s obviously a devastating and scary time… but for those who don’t know Tom I will say this. There is nothing that he has ever given up on and has never taken no for an answer,” Max wrote. “His heart is the size of a lions, and it is his drive and passion that has always led The Wanted and made sure we are looked after the right way.”
“Speaking as a brother, a friend and a band mate.. I know that you will conquer this as you have every other challenge you have ever faced,” he added. “We are all on this journey together… and I can’t wait to get back on the stage with you and the boys and have a proper celebration when you’re better. You got this my man. I love you, Kels and all the family with all my heart and I’ll be right here.❤️”
Nathan also shared photos of their time together, writing, “I’ve been trying to work out what to say for days, but there are simply no words. It’s just the most unbelievably cruel situation. However, Tom will attack this with the same vigour that he has with everything he has ever set his mind to.”
“Both Tom and Kelsey’s strength and bravery is incredible which was shown in the interview that was published today. I love and support both Tom and Kels and I’ll be right behind them every step of the way in their fight,” he continued. “Please keep the whole family in your prayers and send them all the love, support and positivity you possibly can.
