Singer and The Wanted star Tom Parker shared one final message with fans about 'finding hope' just days before he tragically passed away on Wednesday.
Tom was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour in October 2020 after suffering a series of "unexplained" seizures during the summer months the same year. Although it had shrunk to a level that it was "under control", the tumour has a life expectancy of anywhere between three months to 18 months on average, after diagnosis.
Before his untimely passing, Tom announced to fans that he had been working on a book that would detail his inspirational journey, titled Hope.
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In his final post to Twitter last week, Tom explained: "This is not a book about dying: it’s a book about living. It’s a book about finding hope in whatever situation you’re dealt, and living your best life no matter what. It’s HOPE my autobiography publishing July 21st. Pre order your copy now!"
After learning of his passing, Tom's fans went back to share his final tweet and remember the singer's resilience.
One devastated fan wrote: "My heart is broken".
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And a second tweeted: "May you rest easy. The good thing about love, is that it never ends. You’ll be in our hearts forever and a day!"
Meanwhile, a third Twitter user shared Tom's tweet, writing: "Last post as an inspiration 💔".
A description of Tom's autobiography reads: "Tom Parker had it all. A beautiful wife, a chart-topping pop career, a baby on the way... And then one November morning, he passed out, and woke up in hospital. A diagnosis for stage IV brain cancer followed.
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"A diagnosis which did not give him long to live. And yet, two years on, he is still here.
"This book will tell his story, from his working class beginnings in Bolton and his rise to meteoric, chart-topping fame with The Wanted to his cancer diagnosis and search for a cure through both chemotherapy and alternative methods. In this inspirational memoir, Tom will show how having faith in hope and daring to dream means you can carry on, against all the odds."
News of Tom's death was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon in a statement published on Instagram by Tom's wife, Kelsey.
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The statement read: "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 ❤️💫✨❤️".
Tom and Kelsey share children Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one.
For help and support visit the Stand Up To Cancer website here.
Ali Condon