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Tom Parker's funeral a "celebration of life"

Tom Parker (pictured in California in May 2013) - Private service for late singer to be held next Wednesday
Tom Parker (pictured in California in May 2013) - Private service for late singer to be held next Wednesday

Fans of The Wanted star Tom Parker have been invited to pay their respects outside a private ceremony next week to celebrate the life of the late singer.

The singer died at the age of 33 last month surrounded by his family and bandmates - 17 months after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

Parker's wife Kelsey shared a statement on Instagram announcing that a private service was to be held on 20 April in Queensway, Petts Wood, in south-east London.

She added that it would be "beautiful" if those who wished to pay their respects would line the route as Parker's family and friends travel to the church and that they could watch the service outside on screens relaying the ceremony.

The statement said: "There will be [a] private celebration of life on Wednesday 20th April.

"We know many of you would like to pay your respects as well, so would love for you to join us in Petts Woods from 10am.

"It would be beautiful to have everyone line the route as we head to our private service.

"You are then welcome to join us outside the church for the duration where the service will be relayed on screens."

Tom Parker and his then-girlfriend Kelsey Hardwick, pictured in London in March 2016

Kelsey Parker (née Hardwick) also created a GoFundMe page following her husband's death to "keep Tom's memory alive forever" via donations to charitable causes instead of sending flowers and cards.

The couple had been married since 2018 and welcomed their son, Bodhi, in October last year and their daughter, Aurelia Rose, was born in 2019.

Parker disclosed in October 2020 that he had been diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma and had begun radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Despite his diagnosis, in the weeks before his death he had performed on stage with his bandmates as part of their much-delayed reunion tour.

Parker's fellow bandmates, Ed Sheeran, Spandau Ballet's Martin Kemp and Howard Donald of Take That were among the figures from the world of music who paid tribute to the singer after his death.

Source: Press Association

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