Fans of the band The Wanted are devastated today after singer Tom Parker revealed that he has been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor.
The British singer revealed this tragic news on Instagram alongside a photo of himself with his wife, Kelsey Hardwick, and their 1 year-old daughter Aurelia.
“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,” Parker wrote in the caption. “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.”
Parker told Britain’s OK! Magazine that he has a grade four glioblastoma tumor. He added that doctors have informed him that the tumor is “worst case scenario,” and that it is terminal.
Though doctors are saying that the tumor is “inoperable,” Parker said, “I’m going to be here. I’m going to fight this.”
“We are all absolutely devastated but we are gonna fight this all the way. We don’t want your sadness, we just want love and positivity and together we will raise awareness of this terrible disease and look for all available treatment options,” Parker added in his Instagram post. “It’s gonna be a tough battle but with everyone’s love and support we are going to beat this. Tom and Kelsey xxx.”
Parker and his wife are expecting their second child, a baby boy, next month. While The Wanted split up in 2014, Parker’s former bandmate Max George was quick to share a message of support upon hearing this tragic news.
“For those who don’t know Tom I will say this. There is nothing that he has ever given up on and has never taken no for an answer,” he wrote on Instagram. “His heart is the size of a lions, and it is his drive and passion that has always lead The Wanted and made sure we are looked after the right way. Speaking as a brother, a friend and a band mate.. I know that you will conquer this as you have every other challenge you have ever faced. We are all on this journey together.”
Please keep Tom Parker in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.