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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Chris Slater & Gemma McCartney & Victoria Johns

Tom Parker's widow on 'really special' touching tribute with his ashes

The widow of Tom Parker says she is to have his ashes made into special pieces of jewellery for his children and his mum. Tom, from Bolton and a singer The Wanted, died in March aged 33 after battling an inoperable brain tumour.

As well as his devoted wife Kelsey he leaves behind two-year-old daughter Aurelia and 20-month-old son Bodhi.

Kelsey, 32, now says she is making arrangements to have his ashes incorporated into special one-off jewellery pieces for his children, and Tom's mum Noreen, so that they can always have a piece of him close to their heart.

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“It will be something really special the kids can have and it will be given to them at a certain time, but I don't know when yet," she told OK!

Kelsey also opened up on how she was dealing with her grief, saying that “there are times where I stand there and think, ‘Oh my God, is this actually my life? Has this happened to me? I can’t believe this has happened to me!”

Kelsey with Tom and their children (Tom Parker/Instagram)

However, she said she was having to do her best to stay strong for their children as the family come to terms with their tragic loss.

"They have lost their dad so they need me to be as strong as possible for them at the moment," she said.

"I think people are like, ‘Wow, I can’t believe she is actually dealing with it,’ but I don’t really have any other choice but to deal with it."

She added that she also has to be careful about the language she uses. Kelsey said it was 'confusing' to say he's "gone to sleep", and that their daughter believes her daddy's "in heaven" but said sometimes she asks if he is coming back and that they have to 'remind her he's gone.'

Kelsey says she is having to stay strong for two-year-old Auerelia (right) and Bodhi (left), who is 20 months (Kelsey Parker/Instagram)

Kelsey hosted Aurelia's first birthday without her dad over the weekend in another heartbreaking milestone. Aurelia will turn three on Thursday and her mum organised a themed party for the special occasion.

The birthday girl was visited by a selection of Disney princesses - including Elsa, Cinderella and Rapunzel - as the toddler enjoyed her special day the Mirror reports.

The party was attended by some famous faces, with EastEnders star Louisa Lytton taking her young daughter Aura Olivia. The Irish singer-songwriter nominated Ruth Anne also went along to wish Aurelia many happy returns of the day.

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