'Tom Parker's story made me feel less alone'
New UK|April 03, 2023
When Lauren Vivash and her partner Robert found out they were expecting a child, they were overjoyed. But, like Tom and Kelsey Parker, a devastating diagnosis would soon change their lives
KATE SKELTON
'Tom Parker's story made me feel less alone'

A year ago, on 30 March, 2022, The Wanted’s Tom Parker passed away, aged 33, after battling an aggressive brain tumour. He was diagnosed while his wife Kelsey, already mum to daughter Aurelia, was expecting their second child, a son called Bodhi. 

Tragically, Lauren Vivash from Essex can relate only too well to Kelsey’s experience. Here, the 36-year-old shares her story – and her mission to help other bereaved parents.

I’d been waiting for my husband Robert to arrive home and the moment he walked through the door I squealed, “I’m pregnant!” He hugged me tightly as we both started to cry – we were ecstatic.

At the 20-week scan we were talking about baby names and our future as a family. The next day we flew to America for a road trip holiday. Robert loved America – he’d even proposed to me in Texas. We had a great time, but one night Robert had a funny turn. “My body feels strange,” he explained. “I feel sick, I can’t breathe.”

It passed quickly and a doctor at a nearby hospital diagnosed acid reflux. But a few days later, back in the UK, Robert collapsed on the bedroom floor.

He had a full seizure and blood poured from his mouth. Terrified, I called an ambulance.

At the hospital, doctors ordered a CT scan and MRI.

Two days later we found ourselves at Queen’s Square Hospital in London, looking at Robert’s scans with a consultant. “This is your tumour,” he said, pointing to a big white shape. “This mass is in your brain.”

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW UKView all
A STICKY SITUATION
New UK

A STICKY SITUATION

Actors Chris Diamantopoulos and Guillaume Cyr bond with Margo Martindale and get beaten up by Jamie Lee Curtis in a riotous new comedy drama series

time-read
3 mins  |
December 02, 2024
THIS IS CHRISTMAS ACTUALLY
New UK

THIS IS CHRISTMAS ACTUALLY

Love Actually writer and director Richard Curtis gifts the world a new festive film this year

time-read
3 mins  |
December 02, 2024
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
New UK

LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF

The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for peoplepleasers who struggle to put their own needs first

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
Caught on dashcam injecting her ex with fatal dose of 'poison"
New UK

Caught on dashcam injecting her ex with fatal dose of 'poison"

Amanda Hovanec enlisted her lover and her mother in her cold-blooded plot

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
'I looked better getting married at 53 than I did at 23!'
New UK

'I looked better getting married at 53 than I did at 23!'

Wellbeing coach Sarah-Jane Clark, from Swindon, shares how she achieved her dream of wearing a size 10 wedding dress after losing 12st

time-read
5 mins  |
December 02, 2024
'I am so looking forward to Christmas'
New UK

'I am so looking forward to Christmas'

Helen Flanagan shares her plans for the holidays with her new boyfriend Robbie Talbot and her kids

time-read
3 mins  |
December 02, 2024
I'm turning the anger into positive energy
New UK

I'm turning the anger into positive energy

His best friend's death has made Gok Wan rethink life

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
‘I'm careful with who I allow in my inner circle
New UK

‘I'm careful with who I allow in my inner circle

Actress and presenter Kéllé Bryan on managing fame and fronting a new fashion initiative

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
'There were rats..it is a real jungle
New UK

'There were rats..it is a real jungle

Marvin Humes on his I'm A Celebrity experience, backing his buddies and the importance of kindness

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
'It's not going to be sexy Maura on I'm A Celeb'
New UK

'It's not going to be sexy Maura on I'm A Celeb'

Model Caprice Bourret tells new about her festive traditions and starring in and producing a Christmas film

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024