Tom Parker's The Wanted Mates Share Support Following Brain Tumor Diagnosis

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Tom Parker's bandmates showered him with support following The Wanted singer's brain tumor diagnosis.

Max George took to Instagram on Monday with a lengthy post dedicated to Parker alongside a collage of photos of his longtime bandmate and friend over the years. "First of all... I think the bravery of Tom and Kelsey [Parker, wife] announcing their situation is incredible," George wrote.

The Wanted Members Support Tom Parker
L-R) Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, Max George, Tom Parker and Nathan Sykes of The Wanted promote their book 'The Wanted: Our Story, Our Way' at HMV on November 13, 2010, in Manchester, England. Shirlaine Forrest/WireImage/Getty Images

"It's obviously a devastating and scary time... but for those who don't know Tom I will say this. There is nothing that he has ever given up on and has never taken no for an answer. His heart is the size of a lions [sic], and it is his drive and passion that has always lead The Wanted and made sure we are looked after the right way," he continued. "Speaking as a brother, a friend and a band mate.. I know that you will conquer this as you have every other challenge you have ever faced.

George added: "We are all on this journey together... and I can't wait to get back on the stage with you and the boys and have a proper celebration when you're better. You got this my man. I love you, Kels and all the family with all my heart and I'll be right here."

Fellow The Wanted member Jay McGuiness, who was a groomsman at Tom Parker's wedding along with George, commented on the post, writing, "You've always been one in a million. I love you Tom, let's get popping."

George and McGuiness formed The Wanted with Tom Parker, Siva Kaneswaran and Nathan Sykes back in 2009. The group skyrocketed to fame thanks to songs like "All Time Low," "Heart Vacancy," "Lightning" and "Chasing the Sun," which topped singles charts in the U.K. The band's 2011 song, "Glad You Came," charted at No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard charts. After deciding to pursue separate careers, The Wanted split in 2014.

Tom Parker revealed he was diagnosed with grade four glioblastoma—a form of brain cancer—in an Instagram post on Monday. The 32-year-old singer, who is expecting his second child with wife Kelsey Parker, explained that the tumor was deemed inoperable by doctors.

"Hey guys, you know that we've both been quiet on social media for a few weeks and it's time to tell you why. There's no easy way to say this but I've sadly been diagnosed with a Brain Tumour and I'm already undergoing treatment," Tom Parker wrote.

"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," he continued. "We don't want your sadness, we just want love and positivity and together we will raise awareness of this terrible disease and look for all available treatment options. It's gonna be a tough battle but with everyone's love and support we are going to beat this."

About the writer

Michigan native, Janice Williams is a graduate of Oakland University where she studied journalism and communication. Upon relocating to New York City, she held internships at celebrity news-focused publications including Hollywood Life and Us Weekly. She formerly worked at website Fashion & Style as a reality TV reporter before joining the news desk at International Business Times. Now she covers culture and entertainment for Newsweek. When she's not galavanting around New York's restaurant and wine scene, she's likely catching shows of up-and-coming musicians with friends.


Michigan native, Janice Williams is a graduate of Oakland University where she studied journalism and communication. Upon relocating to New ... Read more