FANS of The Wanted’s Tom Parker will gather at a memorial event in the North East this evening (April 3) to remember the life and share memories of the much-loved musician.

The popstar tragically died on March 30 at the age of just 33, after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

He disclosed in October 2020 that he had been diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma and had begun radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

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Despite his diagnosis, in recent weeks he had performed on stage with his bandmates as part of their much-delayed reunion tour.

Since his death, heartfelt tributes from his bandmates, friends, family and fans from across the world have flooded in for the popstar.

In the North East, fans have organised a vigil in his honour and plan to gather outside the Utilita Arena in Newcastle at 6pm on Sunday, April 3. Similar memorial events will be taking place at venues across the UK.

People are being encouraged to bring along anything they want to remember Tom by, such as candles, pictures, banners, messages, or balloons.

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Alongside the coordinated vigil events in the UK, thousands of pounds in donations have poured into a fundraiser set up by Mr Parker’s widow within just 12 hours.

Kelsey Parker created the GoFundMe page on Saturday for people to “keep Tom’s memory alive forever” via donations to charitable causes instead of sending flowers and cards.

Mrs Parker included a touching thank you message to those who shared “beautiful messages of hope and condolence” since the singer’s death at age 33, and said the fundraiser aims to “take everyone’s incredible love, support and generosity and turn our grief into something positive”.

The page exceeded its £5,000 target within the first 12 hours, with more than £10,000 raised so far.

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Writing on the fundraising page, Mrs Parker said: “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.

“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 two 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.”

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