Tom Parker dead: How did The Wanted singer die, was he married with children, tributes from Ed Sheeran, Liam Payne – what is a glioblastoma?

The Wanted star Tom Parker has died at the age of 33 after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour – here’s everything you need to know about the singer.

Originally from Bolton, he died on Wednesday surrounded by his family and bandmates, a statement released by the boyband said.

Tom disclosed in October 2020 that he had been diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma and had begun radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Who is Tom Parker?

The Wanted star Tom Parker has died at the age of 33 after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

Tom achieved great success as a member of one of the UK’s chart-topping boy bands, later going on to triumph on stage and television.

The singer was born in Bolton in 1988, and during his adolescence fought his way through a number of failed attempts to break into the music industry.

Parker initially auditioned for The X Factor after learning to play the guitar at the age of 16, but did not make it past the first round of the competition.

He abandoned his musical pursuits for a short time to study geography at Manchester Metropolitan University, but later dropped out to have another shot at achieving his dream of becoming a professional singer.

For a time Parker was part of a Take That tribute band called Take That II, before eventually finding success in British-Irish boy band The Wanted.

Who are The Wanted?

The band – consisting of Tom Parker, Nathan Sykes, Max George, Siva Kaneswaran and Jay McGuiness – was originally formed in 2009 and produced three top 10 studio albums before they announced in 2014 they were going to pursue solo projects.

After a seven-year hiatus, The Wanted reunited last year to record new material and launch a 2022 UK tour.

The tour kicked off in Glasgow on March 3, however Parker was not present due to a delay to cancer treatment he is currently receiving for a brain tumour.

The group are best known for hits Glad You Came, Chasing The Sun and All Time Low.

They also recently released a greatest hits album, entitled Most Wanted – The Greatest Hits.

What has Tom Parker said about brain tumour?

Last year, Tom has said he was “happy to be back” with his fellow bandmates and admits it was unusual to be in his position a year on from his cancer diagnosis.

The pop singer revealed in October 2020 that he had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, but in November he announced that the results of a scan showed it was now “stable” and “under control” after receiving treatment.

Parker gave an update and said he was “just cracking on” with life.

Was he married with kids?

Tom was married to Kelsey Parker, formerly Hardwick.

Their daughter, Aurelia Rose, was born in 2019, and they welcomed their son, Bodhi, in October last year.

Following his death, she said the hearts of his family were broken by his death.

She wrote on Instagram: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side.

“Our hearts are broken, Tom was the centre of our world and we can’t imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence.

“We are truly thankful for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we all unite to ensure Tom’s light continues to shine for his beautiful children.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported in his care throughout, he fought until the very end. I’m forever proud of you.”

Who has paid tribute to Tom Parker?

Ed Sheeran sent his condolences to the family of Tom Parker.

He wrote on Instagram: “So sad to hear of Tom’s passing. Thoughts and love are with Kelsey, his children and his family. Very sad day, what a lovely guy.”

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Baga Chipz has paid tribute to Tom Parker following his death from an inoperable brain tumour aged 33.

She wrote: “R.I.P Tom Parker. 33 is no age. Sending love to Kelsey, your family, friends, the band and all of your fans.”

Former One Direction star Liam Payne has said he is “heartbroken” to hear the news.

Payne tweeted: “I’m heartbroken to hear about Tom.”

“He was so full of life and humour, and the memories I have of him with stay with me forever.

“Sending my thoughts out to his family and his brothers in The Wanted”.

The Vamps’ Connor Ball has tweeted following Parker’s death aged 33.

Ball wrote: “33 is far too young, so much sadness, Rest in peace Tom Parker”.

Maria Menounos has tweeted about the “brutal disease”. She wrote: “So so sad. This disease is brutal . Rip tom. (Praying) for his family”.

Union J singer JJ Hamblett has called Parker a “an incredible artist and real family man” after his death aged 33 following a brain tumour diagnosis.

Hamblett tweeted: “Just seen the news…I am speechless!!!”

“Tom Parker was such a nice guy who was an incredible artist and real family man!

“Such a cruel, cruel world… RIP Tom.. you will be missed but never never forgotten”.

Howard Donald from Take That sent his condolences to the family of Parker.

He tweeted: “So young and so sad. RIP @TomParker from @thewanted. Strength and love to his family.”

TV presenter Rylan Clark paid tribute. He tweeted: “I’ve just seen the news about Tom and that’s absolutely gutting. He was such a good’un. So sad to hear. Sending my love to Kelsey and the kids. Awful news x #RipTom x”

English actor and musician Martin Kemp has paid tribute, saying his “spirit will never be forgotten” following The Wanted star’s death at 33.

Kemp wrote in a tweet: “Tom Parker, rest in peace my love goes out to all your family and all your friends.. your bravery, your fight and your spirit will never be forgotten”.

Singer Joe McElderry has paid tribute. McElderry, who won The X-Factor in 2009, tweeted: “So very very sad (emoji) life can be cruel!”

“My thoughts to his family and friends”.

What else has been said about Parker’s death?

Hugh Adams, head of stakeholder relations at Brain Tumour Research, said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Tom’s passing and send our deepest condolences to Kelsey, their children and all of Tom’s loved ones. His loss will be greatly felt by his bandmates from The Wanted, their fans and throughout the pop world.

“Since being diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in October 2020, Tom has spoken openly and honestly about the impact of the disease and in doing so, has helped to raise awareness of the devastation caused by brain tumours.”

After referencing Parker’s fundraising and campaigning work, he added: “Tom’s tragic death highlights the fact that brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet, historically, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has historically been allocated to this devastating disease.

“We remember Tom for his passion, intelligence, eloquence and determination in the face of such adversity and will continue to remember him as we focus on our vision of finding a cure for all types of brain tumours.”

What is a glioblastoma?

There are many different types of brain tumour and they can be classed as low or high grade.

Here are questions answered about brain cancer.

– How many people are diagnosed with brain tumours each year?

According to Cancer Research UK (CRUK) there are around 12,100 new brain, other central nervous system (CNS) and intracranial tumour cases in the UK every year – or 33 every day.

– What are the survival and mortality rates?

Survival rates are difficult to predict because brain tumours are not the most common form of cancer and there are many different types.

But according to nhs.uk, around 15 out of every 100 people with a cancerous brain tumour will survive for 10 years or more after being diagnosed.

CRUK figures show that there are around 5,300 brain, other CNS and intracranial tumour deaths in the UK every year.

But brain cancer survival in England is highest for people diagnosed aged under 40.

– What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms include: headaches, seizures, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, mental or behavioural changes, such as memory problems or changes in personality, progressive weakness or paralysis on one side of the body and vision or speech problems, according to nhs.uk.

– Are there different types?

There are many different types of brain tumour – usually named after the cell they develop from or the part of the brain they start in.

There are 130 different types of brain tumour.

The most common type of brain tumour in adults is called glioblastoma multiforme.

– What is a glioblastoma?

Glioblastomas are a type of glioma – a brain tumour that develops from a group of brain cells called glial cells.

Glioblastomas are grade 4 brain tumours and are sometimes called glioblastoma multiforme, GBM, GBM4 or a grade 4 astrocytoma.

According to the Brain Tumour Charity they are: fast growing, have threadlike tendrils that extend into other parts of the brain, are likely to spread within the brain and may come back.

– What about the grades?

Brain tumours are graded from 1-4, according to their behaviour, such as the speed at which they grow and how likely they are to spread.

Grades 1 and 2 are classed as “low grade” and grades 3 and 4 are “high grade”.

High grade brain tumours are fast growing and more likely to spread to other parts of the brain. They may come back even if intensively treated.

– What are the treatment options?

Treatments range on a variety of factors including the type of tumour, where it is in the brain, how big it is and how far it has spread, how abnormal the cells are and a patient’s overall health and fitness.

Options can include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, medicines to help with symptoms and steroids.

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