Kelsey Parker has opened up about her determination to keep the memory of her late husband Tom Parker alive, despite preparing to welcome a new baby with her partner Will Lindsay.
Tom, a beloved member of The Wanted, died in 2022 after a brave battle with a brain tumour. Now, three years on, Kelsey is continuing his legacy by hosting the third annual Tom Parker Celebrity Football Match to raise awareness and funds for brain tumour research.
The 34-year-old podcast host revealed her pregnancy in January, but insists the arrival of her new baby will never overshadow the love her family still has for Tom. Kelsey was married to the singer for four years and the couple share two children together. Two years after his death, she found love again with tree surgeon Will.
Speaking to The Standard, Kelsey said:
“Me being with Will and having a child with Will would never take away the love that we have for Tom — and the love that even Will has for Tom, because Will ultimately loves Tom’s kids.”
She added:
“It’s about us as a family, and Will is a massive part of their life now.”
This year marks the third Tom Parker Celebrity Football Match in his memory, taking place at Bromley F.C.’s stadium in Kent. The event promises to be a true family day out, complete with food stalls, raffles and live performances.
Celebrities taking part include Ryan and Scott Thomas, former TOWIE star Dan Osbourne, Love Island favourites Finley Tapp and Ronnie Vint, as well as Coronation Street’s Alex Bain and EastEnders actor Jaden Ladega.
“For my kids, these matches are a day to remember their dad,” Kelsey explained.
She continued:
“When you get diagnosed like Tom did, it rocks your whole world. As a family, we were shocked to learn how underfunded brain tumour research is — and raising awareness on Saturday will go such a long way.”
Kelsey also highlighted the devastating reality behind the illness:
“People have no idea that brain tumours are the biggest killer of under-40s and children, yet they receive just one per cent of national funding.”
She added emotionally:
“That’s all they get — one per cent. More needs to be done, and I feel Tom has left me with a legacy to continue because he did so much in the 18 months he was ill. Now it’s my time to shine a light on it for him.”
Calling it a huge responsibility, she concluded:
“I’m doing all of this for Tom. What we went through as a family, you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy — so now it’s about helping other people.”
