'Tom's light continues to shine for his beautiful children'

Tributes have poured in for The Wanted's Tom Parker following his heartbreaking death last week

- Ellie Kirwin-Jones

The nation has been grieving the sad loss of Tom Parker after The Wanted singer passed away last week at the age of 33, following a brave battle with brain cancer.

He was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma in October 2020 and was given 12 to 18 months to live by doctors.

Tom's wife Kelsey, 32, confirmed he died on Wednesday 30 March with his family by his side. He leaves behind their two children: daughter Aurelia, two, and one-year-old son Bodhi.

In an emotional Instagram post, Kelsey wrote, "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."

She added, "We are truly thankful for the outpouring of and support and ask that we all unite to ensure Tom's light continues to shine for his beautiful children."

Tom's bandmates - Max George, Nathan Sykes, Jay McGuiness and Siva Kaneswaran - were also by his side when he passed, and it's believed he chose to listen to the song Live Forever by Oasis.