'rest easy, mate'
The Wanted’s Max George pays tribute to late bandmate Tom Parker in emotional eulogy at his funeral
THE Wanted star Max George has paid emotional tribute to his late bandmate Tom Parker in a eulogy at his funeral.
After serving as a pallbearer at the funeral on Wednesday morning, the singer stood up to speak about his friendship with Tom.
4
4
Singer Tom tragically passed away from an untreatable form of brain cancer called glioblastoma last month, aged just 33.
He died on March 30 having announced his diagnosis of the stage-four disease in October 2020 and given just months to live.
The disease was inoperable, with Tom leaving behind his wife Kelsey Parker and their two children, daughter Aurelia and son Bodhi.
On Wednesday, family and friends - as well as hundreds of fans - gathered to celebrate his life at St Francis of Assisi church, Orpington.
READ MORE ON TOM PARKER
Among the crowds were Tom's former The Wanted bandmates - who carried his coffin into the church in an emotional procession.
Max stood up to speak as he paid tribute to Tom as the one who "carried" his friends through hard times since the band was formed.
"I could actually hear him saying, 'It's about time', as he carried us for the last 12 years," he said of his role as pallbearer.
"Tom was always a brother, he made such an impact from the start. His love for music and striving for success outmatched all of us."
Most read in Celebrity
He also joked that Tom had been the only bandmate to have had a "punch-up" with all of them, prompting laughter from attendees.
He added: "Everything he did, he did with the best intentions, even if it was a fight, he got away with it because it was Tom.
"I could say so much about Tom. I will always remember his laugh. He loves laughing at people and we experienced that every day.
"He has left us far too early and we will miss him so much. The people outside, the people all around the world, are a credit to him. Rest easy, mate."
Tom's bandmates were overcome with emotion as they attended his funeral today and carried his coffin into the service.
Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, and Nathan Sykes joined hundreds of mourners who lined the streets to say goodbye.
Liam Payne, from One Direction, was also spotted arriving at the service.
Tom’s widow, Kelsey, whom he married in 2018, led a cortege featuring three black horses through Petts Wood in south-east London.
Flowers spelling out the word "Daddy" adorned the side of the carriage while a flowered sign that spelled the word "Tom" in red roses was attached to the front.
Family and close friends of the star gathered in The Sovereign Of The Seas pub opposite the funeral parlour before the procession began.
Outside St Francis of Assisi church, flowers spelled out the words "Glad You Came", the title of The Wanted's 2011 hit that went to number one in multiple countries.
Speaking ahead of the funeral, Kelsey said: "Thomas Anthony Parker. There will be a private celebration of life on Wednesday 20th April.
"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.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Read More on The Sun
"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 relayed on screens."
4
4
Topics