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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
James Holt

‘Our hearts are broken’: Tom Parker’s wife pays tribute to ‘centre of our world’ after singer, 33, dies

Tom Parker's wife has said her family's 'hearts are broken' following the singer's tragic death today. The Bolton-born star, 33, who was in UK band The Wanted, tragically died following a gruelling battle with an inoperable brain tumour.

His beloved wife Kelsey confirmed the tragic news in a heartbreaking statement today. On behalf of the family, she said their 'hearts are broken' and that they cannot imagine life 'without his infectious smile and energetic presence' going forward. It follows after the 33-year-old had battled with brain cancer glioblastoma and had recently become so weak he had to rely on a wheelchair.

Confirming the news of his passing, Kelsey penned a heartfelt tribute to her Instagram page, writing: "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.

READ MORE The Wanted singer Tom Parker dies at 33 after brain tumour battle

"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."

His bandmates also rushed to pay tribute on their official account, which read: "Max, Jay, Siva, Nathan and the whole Wanted family are devastated by the tragic and premature loss of our bandmate Tom Parker, who passed away peacefully at lunchtime today surrounded by his family and his band mates.

"Tom was an amazing husband to Kelsey, and father to Aurelia and Bodhi. He was our brother, words can’t express the loss and sadness we feel. Always and forever in our hearts."

Tom Parker and Kelsey Hardwick together in 2016 (PA)

It was just a few weeks ago that for The Wanted star Tom Parker joined the reunited boyband on stage at the AO Arena for the final song of the show in Manchester. The star had announced the news of his prognosis on Instagram to fans ahead of his son’s birth in 2020.

Sharing a picture of himself with his then-pregnant wife and young daughter, he wrote: "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.

The Bolton-born singer, who was in UK band The Wanted, tragically died following a gruelling battle with an inoperable brain tumour (ITV)

"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.”

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