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Fans line the streets to pay final tribute to Tom Parker as funeral takes place
Fans travelled from all over the country to pay their respects
Fans of The Wanted singer Tom Parker lined the streets this morning to pay a final tribute as the singer is laid to rest.
Close family and friends of Bolton-born Tom are attending a private celebration of life in southeast London this morning, with fans invited to gather outside to watch the service on big screens and to ‘do Tom proud’.
People were also seen lining the route towards the church in Petts Wood to pay their respects as the entourage passed on its journey.
Other images captured by ITV show fans gathering outside of the church, with three women having travelled from Liverpool, Glasgow and Tom’s hometown Bolton to attend the service.
ITV’s reporter Sam Holder explained on social media that these three fans had all met Tom on multiple occasions, where he had ‘always remembered their names’.
Plans for the service were revealed last week by Tom’s widow Kelsey Parker, who wrote in a statement: “We know many of you would like to pay your respects as well, so would love for you to join us in Petts Wood from 10am.
“It would be beautiful to have everyone line the route as we head to our private service. You are then welcome to join us outside the church for the duration where the service will be replayed on screens.”
Kelsey has also created a fundraising page to ‘keep Tom’s memory alive forever’ via donations to charitable causes, as opposed to sending flowers and cards.
Writing on the GoFundMe page, Kelsey explained that she and the family want to take ‘everyone’s incredible love, support and generosity’ and turn their grief into something positive to keep Tom’s memory alive forever.
She wrote: “We politely request that instead of gifts and flowers, donations are made to this GoFundMe account with all proceeds eventually going to amazing causes in Tom’s name, to help others in need.
“We simply couldn’t have got through the last 2 years without the help and support we have received and if we can offer it back to others that would be the best way to honour Tom and make our two children, Aurelia and Bodhi proud.”
Tom passed away on March 30th after a lengthy battle with terminal brain cancer glioblastoma. He leaves behind his two children Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one, as well as his wife Kelsey.