The Wanted’s Tom Parker diagnosed with terminal brain tumour

2 min read
Tom Parker, one of the members of boy band The Wanted, has been diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour.

The 32-year old singer, who is married to actress Kelsey Hardwick, is dad to 16-month-old Aurelia. The couple are expecting their second child.

In an interview with OK! Magazine, Tom revealed he was "still in shock" after being told he had a grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) six weeks ago.

He said: "I knew something wasn't right, but I never expected it to be this." He has vowed to remain positive, despite his terminal diagnosis, adding: "I'm going to be here… I'm going to fight this."

The complexity, diversity and rapid growth of a GBM tumour means it is very difficult for researchers to develop treatments that can be effective for a patient with this diagnosis.

Hugh Adams, Head of Stakeholder Relations at Brain Tumour Research, said “Our thoughts are with Tom, Kelsey and their family and friends following Tom’s devastating diagnosis. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive and incurable, fast-growing type of tumour. It is the most common type of primary malignant brain tumour in adults. Approximately 16,000 people each year are diagnosed with a brain tumour and unlike most other cancers, incidences of and deaths from brain tumours are rising. Tragically, the disease kills more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer. Brain Tumour Research funds research into glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) at our Centre of Excellence at Queen Mary University of London, getting us closer to finding a cure.”

More funding for research into brain tumours is urgently needed. The nation needs to invest at least £35 million a year if we are to find a cure for brain tumours in the next 20 years. Please sign our 2020 #braintumourpetition www.braintumourresearch.org/campaigning/brain-tumour-research-petition#signnow. Together we are stronger, together we will find a cure. 


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