'Tom Parker's story made me feel less alone'

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

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.”