Liam Payne breaks down in tears as he exits Tom Parker’s funeral
Liam Payne broke down in tears after paying his respects at Tom Parker‘s funeral on Wednesday.
The Wanted bandmember died on Wednesday March 30 aged 33 surrounded by his loved ones and bandmates, following a two-year battle with stage 4 glioblastoma.
Former One Direction singer Liam, who had played at a charity gig for Stand Up to Cancer, organised by Tom in September last year, was seen wiping his eyes as he left The Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Church in Petts Wood, south-east London.
Sad occasion: Liam Payne broke down in tears after paying his respects at Tom Parker ‘s funeral as he exited the church in south-east London
As mourners exited the church, a visibly emotional Liam could be seen wiping away his tears after an emotional service paying tribute to Tom.
Before the funeral, Liam was greeted with applause from fans as he arrived at the church.
After learning of Tom’s death, a heartbroken Liam, 28, took to Twitter with a moving tribute.
‘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 ❤️,’ the commemoratory post read.
Sad day: The singer was among many stars who came to pay their respects after The Wanted star’s death last month
Fighting back tears: As mourners exited the church, a visibly emotional Liam could be seen wiping away his tears after an emotional service paying tribute to Tom
Support: Liam had played at a charity gig for Stand Up to Cancer, organised by Tom in September last year (pictured September 2021)
Tough day: He entered The Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Church in Petts Wood, south-east London, to applause from fans
Commemorating: After learning of Tom’s death, a heartbroken Liam took to Twitter with a moving tribute
In September, the singer performed at charity concert Inside My Head at London’s Royal Albert Hall in support of Tom, who organised the event following an inoperable stage 4 glioblastoma (brain tumour) diagnosis in October 2020.
The event was particularly poignant as The Wanted – comprising of Tom, Siva Kaneswaren, Nathan Sykes, Max George and Jay McGuiness – performed together for the first time in seven years.
The Wanted had originally planned to reform for their 10th anniversary in 2020, before the global pandemic forced them to delay the announcement.
Tom said: ‘I really am so looking forward to this event. It has been a real pleasure to put together and I am so grateful for all the support I have had from all these brilliant artists.
Attending: Also seen at Tom’s funeral was EastEnders star Louisa Lytton, joining many stars who came to pay their respects
Strong: Tom organised September’s event following an inoperable stage 4 glioblastoma (brain tumour) diagnosis in October 2020
Bandmates: The event was particularly poignant as The Wanted performed together for the first time in seven years (from L-R: Siva Kaneswaran, Nathan Sykes, Tom, Max George and Jay McGuiness)
‘Now the news is out that my band will be performing too, it really is going to be a special night for so many reasons.’
‘So many people from around the world have been requesting a stream so that they could support the event and the good causes and I’m delighted that the team have managed to put this together.’
Liam added: ‘When I heard about what Tom was going through I wanted to reach out to him. He’s showing so much strength and courage and I wanted to offer help and support in any way I could.
‘My thoughts have been with him a lot and it means the world that I can support him and his fundraising efforts by performing at the show, I can’t wait.’
Emotional: Tom’s wife Kelsey said it would be ‘beautiful’ to see his devotees ‘line the route’ to the venue where his friends and family will pay tribute on Wednesday
Tom’s wife Kelsey previously said it would be ‘beautiful’ to see his devotees ‘line the route’ to the venue where his friends and family will pay tribute.
Kelsey has also politely requested that people donate to her GoFundMe account instead of sending gifts and flowers, as she explained the proceeds would be going to causes in Tom’s name.
She wrote on Instagram: ‘I am Kelsey Parker, very proud wife of Tom Parker, probably best known for being one fifth of UK boyband The Wanted, but to those who knew him he was my husband, a Daddy, son, brother and friend.
Open: Kelsey took to Instagram with a heartfelt message to their ever-loyal fanbase
‘As many of you know, Tom was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2020 and on Wednesday 30th March 2022 he passed away peacefully with all of his closest friends and family by his side.
‘Our hearts are truly broken, Tom was the centre of our world and we can’t imagine life without him, but one of the biggest sources of comfort over the last 2 years has been the outpouring of love and support we’ve all received.
‘We can’t thank everyone enough for holding Tom, myself and the children in your thoughts and prayers, for lighting candles and sharing beautiful messages of hope and condolence.’
Kelsey explained how she she desires to turn the grief into something ‘positive’ and ‘keep Tom’s memory alive forever.’
Brave: Kelsey explained how she she desires to turn the grief into something ‘positive’ and ‘keep Tom’s memory alive forever’
Source: | Dailymail.co.uk