Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Tina Campbell

Tom Parker’s widow Kelsey opens up on experience with grief after announcing new ITV documentary

Tom Parker died in March, leaving behind his wife Kelsey and their children, Aurelia and Bodhi

(Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Tom Parker’s widow Kelsey reflects on her experience of grief in a poignant message to mark World Mental Health Day.

Parker — who shot to fame with boyband The Wanteddied at the age of 33 on March 30 after a battle with stage four glioblastoma, leaving behind Kelsey and their children Aurelia, three, and Bodhi, two.

Taking to Instagram on Monday, Kelsey, 30, uploaded a recent selfie of herself and the children.

In the caption, she explained that not every day is positive and urged her followers to reach out if they are ever struggling with their mental health.

She wrote: “Tom called us #PostiveParkers and this will forever be what we are.

“But today on #WorldMentalHealthDay it’s important to say that not every day is positive; some days are a lot harder than others. I have learnt to take it day by day, moment by moment. That’s all we can do.

“I have the kids who keep me going and have many friends and family members who check in on me regularly and lift me up.

“If you’re struggling don’t try to hide, confide in those close to you and get any help you need.”

The post comes after she confirmed last Wednesday that she is currently filming a new ITV documentary exploring grief and following her life since Parker’s death.

Kelsey Parker: Life After Tom will see her allow cameras into the family home to follow her very personal journey with grief as she hopes to connect with people in similar situations, including other famous faces.

Tom Parker (bottom middle) originally shot to fame in boyband The Wanted (Tom Parker / Instagram)

From household names who open up about their own experiences with grief, to other young widows and bereavement experts; Kelsey’s journey will see her and her family mark major milestones without Parker.

Throughout the six-part ITVBe series, Kelsey will try out death cafes, grief yoga and other methods of coming to terms with loss, exploring her bereavement as she tries to rebuild her life without her husband.

Describing filming as a “rollercoaster ride,” Kelsey said she hopes her family’s “optimism shines through” in the documentary as she said she wants to “keep moving forward” despite her devastating loss.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.