Touching tributes have been pouring in on social media after the news broke yesterday that Tom Parker had tragically died at the age of 33.
The Bolton-born singer – who was known for being one fifth of the popular British boyband, The Wanted, since 2009 – was diagnosed with an inoperable terminal brain tumour known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) back in October 2020, and had since been undergoing a number of treatments in an attempt to prolong his life.
But it was sadly confirmed that he passed away peacefully with his family, loved ones, and bandmates by his side yesterday.
Tom leaves behind his wife Kelsey, and two children – Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one.
His devastating passing was first announced by his wife Kelsey on Instagram, who said in an emotional tribute: “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.
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“I’m forever proud of you.”
Tom was diagnosed with a terminal inoperable brain tumour known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) back in October 2020 / Credit: Instagram (@tomparkerofficial)
The Wanted also shared an emotional group tribute on their Instagram account yesterday, which read: “Max, Jay, Siva, Nathan and the whole Wanted family are devastated by the tragic and premature loss of our bandmate Tom Parker, who passed away peacefully at lunchtime today surrounded by his family and his band mates.
“Tom was an amazing husband to Kelsey, and father to Aurelia and Bodhi. He was our brother, words can’t express the loss and sadness we feel. Always and forever in our hearts.”
His bandmate Siva Kaneswaran also shared a personal tribute to Tom on his Instagram, writing: “Hey Tom, hope you’re having a blast up there. I am so grateful that I had a chance to witness your true courage. It has been a pleasure of my life Tommy Boy.
“Thank you for letting us see you light up the world. Talk to you soon and see you later. Love you brother.”
Tom Parker alongside his bandmates in The Wanted / Credit: The Wanted
Aside from tributes paid by family members and bandmates, the news of Tom’s passing shook the world and countless tributes, memories, and messages of support has since been shared by countless famous names and fans of The Wanted on social media.
Fellow British boyband McFly took to Twitter to share a tribute to Tom, saying he was “always so much fun to be around”, as did singer Liam Payne from One Direction.
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of our friend Tom Parker. Tom was always so much fun to be around & we have amazing memories of touring & playing shows with The Wanted. The thoughts of the entire McFly family are with his wife & children, his family, friends & bandmates pic.twitter.com/XGRdAJZA6G
I'm heartbroken to hear about Tom. He was so full of life and humour, and the memories I have of him with stay with me forever. Sending my thoughts out to his family and his brothers in The Wanted ❤️
Connor Ball from boyband The Vamps said on Twitter: “33 is far too young, so much sadness, Rest in peace Tom Parker.”
TV presenter Rylan Clark shared a touching tribute on Twitter: “I’ve just seen the news about Tom and that’s absolutely gutting. He was such a good’un. So sad to hear. Sending my love to Kelsey and the kids. Awful news.”
“Tom Parker, rest in peace my love goes out to all your family and all your friends… Your bravery, your fight and your spirit will never be forgotten,” Martin Kemp said in a Twitter tribute.
Adam Pitts from pop band Lawson said on Twitter: “One of the bravest, most inspirational people I have ever had the joy of knowing. Your attitude ever since your diagnosis has inspired people all around the world and you have raised so much money to help battle this horrible disease.”
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“We all love you Tom Parker,” singer Hrvy said on Twitter.
Tom Parker, rest in peace my love goes out to all your family and all your friends.. your bravery, your fight and your spirit will never be forgotten
The passing of Tom Parker has saddened us greatly. His fight was an inspiration and he changed the lives of everyone he came into contact with. Long may he be remembered for that. With love to all his family and close friends.
Tributes also came flooding in from The Wanted’s fans from across the globe.
One devastated fan said on Twitter: “RIP Tom Parker. My heart majorly goes out to his beautiful wife and children. Never take a single day for granted and never wait to tell somebody you love and care about them. Heartbreaking.”
Another fan wrote: “I saw tom parker literally two weeks ago on stage at The Wanted tour. My last ever memory of him will be seeing him able to spend time doing what he loved with his band mates and fans, where he was happy, and that will stay in my heart forever. I can’t believe this.”
“Tom Parker’s last gift to everyone was to bring the dudes back together so they could see how loved and missed they were,” another fan’s tribute read on Twitter.
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“He is the light that’ll never fade, and will be absolutely missed.”
Another shocked fan wrote on Twitter: “Tom Parker and the boys raised me, half my life has been following and loving them. I don’t have the words and never will to explain how much I’ll miss him and love him always. A rockstar from the very beginning and forever and ever.”
i saw tom parker literally two weeks ago on stage at the wanted tour. my last ever memory of him will be seeing him able to spend time doing what he loved with his band mates and fans, where he was happy, & that will stay in my heart forever. i can’t believe this 💔
Tom was first diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) back in October 2020.
Announcing the devastating diagnosis in a social media statement at the time, he said: “There’s no easy way to say this but I’ve sadly been diagnosed with a brain tumour and I’m already undergoing treatment.
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“We decided, after a lot of thought, that rather than hiding away and trying to keep it a secret, we would do one interview where we could lay out all the details and let everyone know the facts in our own way.
“We are all absolutely devastated but we are gonna fight this all the way.”
Tom Parker with his wife Kelsey, and their two children Aurelia and Bodhi / Credit: Channel 4
Following on from his diagnosis, Tom shared that he had been undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as receiving private treatment on top of NHS care, in best efforts to prolong his life.
In recent months, Tom had bravely shared his journey in a TV special for Stand Up To Cancer, and had also spoken out during an appearance on a new podcast saying that a “massive improvement” is needed in treatment for brain tumours, and that a lack of research funding is part of the issue.
Most recently, Tom underwent a treatment programme in Spain that forced him to miss the first few dates of The Wanted’s recent tour, but he made it out on stage for one last time when The Wanted headlined Manchester’s AO Arena just two weeks ago on 13 March 2022.
Featured Image – ITV
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Pussycat Dolls at Co-op Live – tickets, times and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
American girl group Pussycat Dolls have reunited for a UK tour, stopping off at Co-op Live in Manchester with their powerhouse pop anthems.
Releasing their first LP in 2005, this pop girl group have a variety of radio hits to their name like ‘Don’t Cha’, ‘When I Grow Up’ and ‘Buttons’.
Over the years, the Pussycat Dolls lineup has gone through significant changes with this latest reunion comprised of Nicole Scherzinger, Kimberley Wyatt and Ashley Roberts.
The trio even released some brand-new material to coincide with the announcement of their UK and EU tour titled ‘Club Song’.
Now the girls are about to put their Doll Domination to the test as they bring their PCD Forever Tour in arenas across the nation.
Gig guide – Pussycat Dolls at Co-op Live, Manchester
Doors for Pussycat Dolls at Co-op Live open from 6pm with a start time listed of 7pm with Lil’ Kim and rising girl group Deja Vu kicking things off.
Co-op Live has a strict curfew of 11pm, meaning you can get home and loosen your ‘Buttons’, hopefully before the clock strikes twelve.
How to get to Co-op Live
Tram
For those of you heading to Co-op Live, you’ll be glad to know it’s right next door to a rather famous big blue stadium and its integrated Metrolink stop.
Head along the light blue or orange lines directly to the Etihad Campus or Ashton-under-Lyne, and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.
Trams run frequently on the Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad stop, with services leaving every six minutes from the city centre and until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bus
You can find the full list of bus routes HERE, with the one in closest proximity to the venue being the 53 bus, which runs from Cheetham Hill through to Higher Crumpsall, Old Trafford and Pendleton, leaving just a two-minute walk to Co-op Live.
Getting there by car and parking
If you’re driving, there is limited parking available at the venue, but this must be pre-booked ahead of time, and there are designated drop-off areas.
The postcode is M11 3DU, and you can follow the signs towards the wider Etihad Campus as you get closer; directions to the adjacent drop-off points will also be signposted.
Keep in mind that congestion on the roads close to the stadium is expected to gather around two hours prior to any event, so if you are travelling on the road, these are the suggested times they provide on event day, though estimates will obviously vary:
Alan Turing Way (both directions): plan an additional 20 minutes into any journey by road.
Hyde Road (eastbound): expect an additional 15 minutes to be added to your journey.
Mancunian Way (westbound): plan for an extra 10 minutes of travel time.
There are also three park-and-ride facilities near Co-op Live, but be advised that the Velopark and Holt Town stops will be closed post-event to help safely manage crowds:
Ashton West (Ashton line) – 184 spaces and 11 disabled spaces
Ladywell (Ashton-Eccles line) – 332 spaces and 22 disabled spaces
Walk/cycle
Lastly, Co-op Live is only a half-hour stroll from Manchester Piccadilly, and you could even walk along the canal all the way to the front door if you fancy taking the scenic route.
Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes on the Beryl app, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the bike all through an easy-to-use app. There are hire points just near the south-west corner of the Etihad Stadium on Ashton New Road.
For more information on all travel options, you can check out the enhanced journey planner.
RSPCA appeals after French bulldog found dead in Oldham canal
Daisy Jackson
The RSPCA has launched an appeal for information after finding a French Bulldog dead in a canal in Oldham.
The dog was discovered by a dog walker earlier this week, floating in the middle of a canal in Chadderton.
The French Bulldog was wearing a pink-red lead and matching collar, which were wrapped around his head and front leg.
He did not have a microchip, but the charity is hoping his lead might help him to be identified.
The dog was found at around 12.20pm on Monday 5 October on a section of the canal near Middleton Road.
The harness and lead the French bulldog was found wearing in the canal. Credit: RSPCA
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Beth Fazackerley said: “This was an incredibly upsetting incident for the member of the public who made this distressing discovery, and it is heartbreaking that this poor dog was found in such circumstances.
“We are keen to establish what happened, and would urge anyone who was in the area around Middleton Road at midday, on October 5, and may have information about what happened, to get in touch.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01919098.
Emily Sergeant -
31st March 2022 
