Fans of The Wanted gathered in Newcastle to say goodbye to their beloved Tom Parker.
Tom died on March 30, surrounded by his loved ones and bandmates, after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
He was initially given 12 months to live when diagnosed with a stage four glioblastoma brain tumour in October 2020, documented his treatment journey with the world.
His death shattered millions of hearts, with longtime fans of the pop band now reflecting on the memories they have of him and the joy he brought to their lives.
Coming together outside the Utilita Arena, tearful fans lit candles and let off balloons in honour of the star.
They also left heartfelt messages and shared photos of times they met the boy band member.
‘Fly high up there, angel,’ one fan wrote alongside two adorable selfies with the Glad You Came singer, who leaves behind two children and his wife, Kelsey.
‘We won’t let your memory go because your colours burn so bright, rest in peace,’ penned another in reference to lyrics from The Wanted’s song, Gold Forever.
One emotional fan wrote on a balloon: ‘Thank you for everything. Thank you for the best memories and for always being so lovely every single time I had the pleasure of meeting you.’
Many of the fans wore The Wanted merchandise to the memorial event as they bid a fond farewell to the 33-year-old, whose death has left his bandmates ‘heartbroken.’
Tom was still bringing smiles to thousands of fans’ faces just weeks before his death, as he completed a tour around the country with Nathan, Max, Siva and Jay.
In his memory, fans have been buying and streaming one of the group’s most touching songs, Gold Forever, which has re-entered the charts 10 years after its release.
Also, a fundraiser set up by widow Kelsey has already reached over £30,000, with the money all going to charities close to Tom’s heart.
Announcing the heartbreaking news of her husband’s death on Wednesday, Kelsey wrote on Instagram: ‘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.’
She continued: ‘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 married Kelsey in 2018 and welcomed their son, Bodhi, in October last year.
Their daughter, Aurelia Rose, was born in 2019.
Kelsey recently thanked fans for their outpouring of warmth and support following his death, saying that ‘if love alone could have saved Tom, he would have lived forever.’
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