The Wanted have released a new version of their single Gold Forever to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity after the death of band member Tom Parker. The singer, from Bolton, tragically died in March, aged 33, 17 months after he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
Tom was laid to rest in a celebration of life ceremony last Wednesday, April 20. His widow Kelsey led a cortege featuring three black horses through Petts Wood, south-east London after inviting her husband's fans to line the streets as they made their way to a private ceremony at St Francis of Assisi church.
Tom's The Wanted bandmates Max George, Nathan Sykes, Siva Kaneswaran, and Jay McGuinness acted as pallbearers at the funeral with Max and Siva also standing up in the church to pay tribute to their 'brother'. Members of the band have since taken to social media to sure further tributes after laying Tom to rest.
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Now, after Tom's family requested Gold Forever be played at his memorial service, the band created an updated version of the track entitled Gold Forever (for Tom).
Gold Forever was originally released in 2012 and reached number three on the Official Chart Company’s UK singles chart, making it The Wanted’s third top 10 single.
After a warm response from fans, the band made the song available for download to allow supporters to keep the track in memory of Parker. The Wanted, Island Records and the writers and producers of the song will be donating all net proceeds to The Brain Tumour Charity.
The UK-based charity is dedicated to funding research, raising awareness and providing support and information to people with brain tumours. A tweet from The Wanted's official account read: "We created a very special version of Gold Forever for Toms memorial service,the reaction the track has had has been beautiful. We’ve decided to release the track in Tom’s memory with ALL proceeds going to @BrainTumourOrg."
The message has since been flooded with support from fans of the band. @stxceylouise said: "The most stunning and beautiful version. Thank you so much for releasing it."
@hollypepper__tw wrote: "This is absolutely amazing such a beautiful thing to do and what a way to honour the memory of a true hero."
"You boys are just incredible. Tom would be so proud of all of you. This version of gold forever is just stunning, I cried when I heard it," @shazzamac1973 shared.
@Myah_wadlow550 added: "Thank you for releasing this track its such a special and it's an amazing way to think of our tom. I'm very proud of u all. Love you so much guys."
The Brain Tumour Charity chief executive Alex Lochrane said: "Gold Forever (For Tom) is a beautiful song and a moving tribute to Tom, and we are profoundly grateful to The Wanted that donations from the sales of this single will help us fund world-class research and vital support services for anyone affected by brain tumours.
"Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Tom’s wife Kelsey, their children, family and friends at this saddest of times, as well as with fans of The Wanted worldwide."
Tom revealed the news of his diagnosis to fans in October 2020 when Kelsey, was pregnant with their second child, Bodhi, who is now one. The couple, who married in 2018, also shared two-year-old daughter, Aurelia.
Kelsey announced the news of Tom's death on March 30 with a statement posted on Instagram alongside a grey and white picture of Tom, telling fans: "Our hearts are broken."
