Singer Tom Parker dies from brain tumour

Brain Tumour Research

2 min read

The Wanted singer Tom Parker died this afternoon, following a battle with brain cancer. Tom, aged 33, had been diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) an aggressive and incurable form of the disease in October 2020.

Hugh Adams, head of stakeholder relations at Brain Tumour Research said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Tom’s passing and send our deepest condolences to Kelsey, their children and all of Tom’s loved ones. His loss will be greatly felt by his bandmates from The Wanted, their fans and throughout the pop world. Since his diagnosis Tom has spoken openly and honestly about the impact of the disease and in doing so, has helped to raise awareness of the devastation caused by brain tumours.

“In October 2021, the charity and a number of our supporters were fortunate to attend a never-to-be-forgotten The Wanted show at the Royal Albert Hall in London, documented in the extraordinary and emotional Channel 4 documentary ‘Tom Parker: Inside My Head’.

"We also met Tom at Westminster and in December, he attended the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours (APPGBT), where he established himself as a passionate advocate for more research into the disease."

Tom Parker with Derek Thomas, MP for St. Ives, Cornwall and the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours (APPGBT)

Tom’s tragic death highlights the fact that brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer yet, historically, just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has historically been allocated to this devastating disease.

We will remember Tom for his passion, intelligence, eloquence, and determination in the face of such adversity. Tom was also active in the brain tumour community, and worked with Brain Tumour Research supporter Amani Liaquat. We will continue to remember him as we focus on our vision of finding a cure for all types of brain tumours.