The family of the Wanted star, Tom Parker, are welcoming all to join them on their charity ‘Walk of Hope’ for his birthday.
Tom Parker, originally from Tonge Moor, died earlier this year at 33 years old, 17 months after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
His family and friends are now taking a Walk for Hope through Tom’s hometown of Bolton, to raise money for a cancer rehabilitation charity that helped Tom after his diagnosis.
His mum, Noreen Parker, said: “In 2020 we received the devasting news that our son, Tom Parker was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer.
“We want to raise as much money as we can for ‘Ahead of the Game Foundation' which is a charity run by Dave Bolton who is a rare long-term survivor of Glioblastoma.
“Throughout his illness, Tom had the privilege of having other therapies to help and support him live two years; allowing him to achieve all the things he did and giving him ‘Hope’ and positivity throughout.
“Tom was raised in Bolton, and we would love any old school friends or anyone who wants to come and support us through donation or by participating in the walk, all are welcome.”
The event will take place on Sunday, July 31, and will be a gentle 5k walk.
As well as raising money, the event is dedicated to celebrating Tom's birthday.
The walk will start at 12.30 pm, stopping off at three locations:
- St Brendan’s RC Primary School
- Tongue Park
- The Swan Pub
Noreen welcomes all walkers to stay at the last location, raise a glass to Tom before celebrating his birthday with some karaoke.
Anyone wanting to take part in the walk must register and donate £10 before emailing WalkforHopeTom@outlook.co.uk.
Noreen explained the inspiration behind the walk was Tom’s autobiography ‘Hope’.
She said: “Throughout his illness, he managed to organise a charity concert at The Royal Albert Hall in London with all proceeds going to Brain Tumour Charities.
“He also managed to create a reunion and go on tour with his former band ‘The Wanted’ and lastly wrote an autobiography, which is currently a number one bestseller and the inspiration behind this walk”.
Aiming to raise £5,000, the family will donate all proceeds to, the Ahead of the Game Foundation.
The charity attempts to bridge the gap in the NHS, proving free rehabilitation to those diagnosed with all types of Cancer and helped Tom after his diagnosis in 2020.
You can donate by clicking here.
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