Fans of The Wanted's Tom Parker will line the streets as his funeral takes place today.
The Bolton-born singer sadly passed away aged 33 on March 30, surrounded by his family and bandmates, after battling an inoperable brain tumour. The dad-of-two was diagnosed whilst his wife Kelsey was pregnant with their second child and one-year-old son Bodhi in 2020.
His close friends and family are expected to attend a private service in Queensway, Petts Wood, in south-east London, this morning (Wednesday). Kelsey has invited fans to line the route as they head to the church, where they will be able to watch the service outside on big screens.
In a post on her Instagram page, she previously wrote: "Thomas Anthony Parker. 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 Wood 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."
Kelsey has also created a GoFundMe page to 'keep Tom’s memory alive forever' via donations to charitable causes, instead of sending flowers and cards. The page exceeded its £5,000 target within the first 12 hours and so far has received more than £54,000 in donations.
Last month, she confirmed the tragic news of Tom's death in a heartbreaking statement on Instagram. She wrote: "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.
"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."
The news came just two weeks after Tom performed with his bandmates on The Wanted's Greatest Hits tour, where heartbreaking footage showed he was too weak to sing in what was unbeknownst to be his final ever performance.
