Cornwall pays tribute to The Wanted singer Tom Parker who's died age 33
The star was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in October 2020
Last updated 31st Mar 2022
A Cornish MP is among those paying tribute to The Wanted singer Tom Parker who has died at the age of 33.
In October 2020 the dad-of-two was diagnosed with an inoperable and aggressive brain tumour, stage IV glioblastoma.
Despite this, movingly described in his documentary “Inside My Head”, Tom devoted his life since then to raising awareness of brain tumours, and to improve the care, treatment and survival rates of brain cancer patients.
He arranged a star-studded charity concert at the Royal Albert Hall after learning how research and treatment lags behind that of other cancers.
Derek Thomas, the MP for West Cornwall, met Tom in his role as chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours.
The APPG on Brain Tumours are campaigning for increased research of brain tumours and improved treatment, taking evidence from doctors, scientists, campaigners and patients like Tom.
Tom told a meeting of the APPG: “I’m staggered they can find a cure for Covid-19 within a year but can’t find better treatments and ultimately a cure for brain tumours for decades on end.”
Figures from Brain Tumour Research show brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer.
That charity says that approximately 16,000 people are diagnosed with a brain tumour in the UK every year and there are estimated to be over 60,000 people living with a brain tumour.
Scientists still do not know what causes them, or what the risk factors are.
Derek has paid tribute to Tom saying he was an 'inspiration' in his work.
He said: “I had the great honour of meeting and working with Tom Parker during his battle to fight his brain cancer.
“Tom turned his battle into a campaign to highlight the lack of effective treatment and support for brain tumour sufferers and all those of us engaged with this area will respond with greater urgency and effort to improve the situation.
“Tom inspired me to step up my work to help cut through the barriers that stand in the way of real progress in the treatment of brain tumours.
“I extend my sincere sympathies to his wife and their two little ones.”