Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zoe Delaney

Tom Parker’s widow Kelsey says Deborah James was 'a pillar of strength' for late star

Tom Parker's widow Kelsey has paid tribute to Deborah James and explained how the BBC presenter was "a pillar of strength" for The Wanted star prior to his tragic death in March.

Mum-of-two Kelsey, 32, sent "earth angel" Deborah, 40, a supportive message on Tuesday, just hours after the popular podcaster told fans the "time has come to say goodbye", following a five-year battle with stage 4 bowel cancer.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, Kelsey dubbed mum-of-two Deborah "a hero" and provided a link to the campaigner's link to the BowelBabe Fund, which has now hit £2million since launching on Monday.

Writing above a picture of the inspirational fundraiser, Kelsey shared: "Sending love, light and strength to you, your family and babies. Deborah, you are an earth angel. You’ve raised so much awareness and money, you’re a hero.

Deborah James issued a heartbreaking health update to fans on Monday (bowelbabe/Instagram)
Tom Parker's widow Kelsey was one of the many to pay tribute to the inspiring star (Kelsey Parker/Instagram)

"Your courage is inspiring. You were a pillar of strength for my Tommy Boy, always there with advice. I know you were both members of a club that you didn’t want to be in. I wish we all could’ve met under different circumstances."

The grieving mum-of-two concluded with: "Like Tom, you’ve never let cancer define you and what a legacy you’ve created."

Bolton-born Tom passed away aged 33 on 30 March, following an 18-month battle with brain cancer - raising money and awareness of the condition prior to his death.

Tom Parker also raised vital funds for cancer research prior to his death (PA)
The Wanted star inspired millions as he documented his battle following his 2020 diagnosis (Getty Images Europe)

On Monday, Bowel Cancer UK patron Deborah heartbreakingly told fans she is now in hospice care and is spending her time surrounded by her family and friends.

The much-loved BBC star penned: "The tweet I never wanted to write. The time has come to say goodbye.

"It has been 5 years to prepare, doesn’t make it any easy.

"I’m under hospice at home care, & I’m spending my time surrounded by my family. Please buy me a wine to see me out and raise vital funds."

Deborah broke down in tears during a BBC interview aired on Wednesday (BBC)

The campaigner raised over £1million in just 24 hours - with the current total now surpassing £2million at the time of reporting.

Earlier in the day, Deborah gave a more detailed health update over on her Instagram page.

"My active care has stopped and I am now moved to hospice at home care, with my incredible family all around me and the focus is on making sure I’m not in pain and spending time with them.

"Nobody knows how long I’ve got left but I’m not unable to walk, I’m sleeping most of the days, and most things I took for granted are pipe dreams. I know we have left no stone unturned.

Deborah gained millions of fans thanks to blogging about her experience with cancer over the last five years (Deborah James)
The inspiring podcast host has raised millions thanks to her final fundraiser, the Bowelbabe fund (Dave Benett/Getty Images for JW Marriott Grosvenor House London)

"But even with all the innovative cancer drugs in the world or some magic new breakthrough, my body just can’t continue anymore."

She added: "In over 5 years of writing about how I thought it would be my final Christmas, how I wouldn’t see my 40th birthday nor see my kids go to secondary school - I never envisaged writing the one where I would actually say goodbye.

"I think it’s been the rebellious hope in me. But I don’t think anyone can say the last 6 months has exactly been kind.

"It’s all heartbreaking to be going through but I’m surrounded by so much love that if anything can help me through I hope that will.

"Bowelbabe Fund. I always knew there was one thing I always wanted to do before I died."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.