Hundreds of people walked through the streets of Bolton in memory of The Wanted singer Tom Parker, visiting his old haunts in the town and places special to him.
Tom, who grew up in Tonge Moor, Bolton, died at a hospice in south-east London in March at the age of 33 after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. The 'Walk for Hope' walk was organised to celebrate Tom's life ahead of his 34th birthday this Thursday and raise money for a campaigning foundation.
Ahead of the Game foundation, which the event raised money for, said it aims to bridge a 'gap' in the NHS by providing free rehabilitation to those diagnosed with all types of cancer to make a positive impact on people's lives when they need it most.
Tom's mum, Noreen Parker, led off the walkers and said the event had grown so much she was touched by people's care and response. She told ITV Granada Reports : "It's his birthday on Thursday so this is a walk we wanted to do.
"We wanted to raise some money for Ahead of the Game. But also for people that couldn't come down to the funeral - friends, family, fans in Bolton to come along and do the walk."
The five kilometre walk through the town started at Tom's primary school, St Brendan's RC Primary, before heading to Tonge Park, where a young Tom would play with his friends. From there, walkers headed to The Swan bar for karaoke - where Tom once won a singing competition.
Parker announced in October 2020 he had been diagnosed with stage-four glioblastoma and had begun radiotherapy and chemotherapy. He wrote about his experiences in a book titled 'Hope'.
Tom married his partner, Kelsey Hardwick, in 2018 and welcomed their son, Bodhi, in October 2020. Their daughter, Aurelia Rose, was born in 2019.
Kelsey confirmed news of his death in a statement, saying: "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."
The band released their self-titled debut album in 2010 and went on to enjoy several hits including UK chart-topping singles All Time Low and Glad You Came. In 2014, The Wanted announced they were taking some time apart so that each member could pursue personal endeavours but since reformed for a new tour.
It's hoped the 'Walk for Hope' has raised upwards of £5,000 for the foundation.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- Enormous 'void' under Arndale Centre is hidden clue to Manchester's abandoned Tube network
- Woman's horror as she wakes up choking moments before explosion tears her home apart
- Manchester wins Women's Euros for England as United and City stars make the difference vs Germany
- The week that saw a small Oldham community rocked by tragedy
- Temperatures are soaring and Manchester is still failing to act fast enough
