Tom Parker’s widow Kelsey shares her experience with grief as she marks World Mental Health Day

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Tom Parker‘s widow Kelsey shared a poignant message as she reflected on her grief in a post to mark World Mental Health Day. 

Taking to Instagram on Monday, the 30-year-old explained that not every day is positive and urged her followers to reach out if they are ever struggling with their mental health.  

Kelsey’s husband Tom passed away from stage four glioblastoma brain cancer at the age of 33 on March 30 after being diagnosed with the illness in October 2020. 

Tom Parker’s widow Kelsey shares her experience with grief as she marks World Mental Health Day

‘I’ve learnt to take it day by day’: Tom Parker’s widow Kelsey shared her experience with grief as she marked World Mental Health Day with an Instagram post on Monday

Alongside a snap taken with their children Aurelia, three, and Bodhi, two, Kelsey penned: ‘Tom called us #PostiveParkers and this will forever be what we are. 

‘But today on #WorldMentalHealthDay it’s important to say that not every day is positive; some days are a lot harder than others. I have learnt to take it day by day, moment by moment. That’s all we can do.

‘I have the kids who keep me going and have many friends & family members who check in on me regularly and lift me up. 

‘If you’re struggling don’t try to hide, confide in those close to you and get any help you need. ❤️’

Candid: Taking to Instagram on Monday, the 30-year-old explained that not every day is positive and urged her followers to reach out if they are ever struggling

Candid: Taking to Instagram on Monday, the 30-year-old explained that not every day is positive and urged her followers to reach out if they are ever struggling

Loss: Tom passed away from stage four glioblastoma brain cancer at the age of 33 on March 30 after being diagnosed with the illness in October 2020

Loss: Tom passed away from stage four glioblastoma brain cancer at the age of 33 on March 30 after being diagnosed with the illness in October 2020

Kelsey’s post comes after it was revealed she will front an ITV documentary exploring grief and following her life since The Wanted star’s death from brain cancer.

Kelsey Parker: Life After Tom will see her allow cameras into her home to follow her very personal journey with grief as she hopes to connect with people in similar situations, including other famous faces.

From household names who open up about their own personal experiences with grief, to other young widows and bereavement experts, Kelsey’s journey will see her and her family mark major milestones without Tom. 

Throughout the six-part ITVBe series, Kelsey try out death cafes, grief yoga and other methods of coming to terms with loss, exploring her bereavement as she tries to rebuild her life without her husband.

Kelsey took to her Instagram on Wednesday to share the news of her new documentary, admitting it has been ‘very difficult’ at times.

She revealed she is currently in the middle of filming as she described it as a ‘rollercoaster ride’ but shared her hope that the series can help other people. 

She penned: ‘I am delighted to share with you that Kelsey Parker: Life After Tom will be on your screens later this year on ITV.

‘A six part observational documentary following me and my family over the last six months since Tom’s death. Obviously a very difficult film to make but one that I’m incredibly proud of. 

‘We are still in the middle of filming and it’s been a rollercoaster ride but I can’t thank the team enough for believing in me to share my story, to continue Tom’s work and cement his legacy and to hopefully help others. 

Family: Now, Kelsey, 30, will give an insight into her journey with grief in a documentary as she raises their children Aurelia, three, and Bodhi, two, since her husband's death

Family: Now, Kelsey, 30, will give an insight into her journey with grief in a documentary as she raises their children Aurelia, three, and Bodhi, two, since her husband’s death

‘I have met and am meeting the most incredible people who have loved, lost and who are fighting to keep their loved ones here. 

‘I’m learning about myself, pushing myself and I’m sharing it all with my amazing family and friends who are there with me every step of the way. They’re all in it and I can’t wait for you to meet them!

‘The cameras are following the hard times but we’ve been blessed with an amazing summer and the team have been there to get it all so join us for camping trips, Cornwall, weddings, christenings and so much more love and laughter along the way.’

Kelsey said she hopes her family’s ‘optimism shines through’ in the documentary as she said she wants to ‘keep moving forward’ despite her devastating loss.

She dedicated the series to her late husband Tom and said she hopes it makes him ‘shine’ in the lengthy post. 

Kelsey continued: ‘Tom called us the Positive Parkers and I really hope our optimism shines through because life is for living and we’re here, we’re doing it and I just want to keep moving forward…

‘Thank you so much for all your support, it really does mean the world to us. Every word of encouragement, every NTA vote, every person who tells us we got this… you push us forward. 

‘I don’t know where I’d be right now without all of you and everyone who has believed in me. Working with @aheadofthegame_foundation , filming with @flickerproductions @itv and my incredible management team @screativeagency it’s giving me a purpose, a future, a reason for being and I’m so grateful. 

Candid: Kelsey Parker: Life After Tom will see her allow cameras into her home to follow her very personal journey with grief as she hopes to connect with people in similar situations

Candid: Kelsey Parker: Life After Tom will see her allow cameras into her home to follow her very personal journey with grief as she hopes to connect with people in similar situations

‘Oh and watch out for the superstars of the show @aureliaroseparker and @bodhithomasparker who will bring all the joy! They make me so proud and I know @Tomparkerofficial will be shining bright watching them entertain you all.

‘Tom, this is for you and I hope it’s making you shine up there.’ 

The documentary will unflinchingly look at bereavement and will confront death with compassion, empathy, emotional frankness and some humour, according to a description.

The series is being produced by the same team that brought viewers Caring For Derek, which gave an insight into Derek Draper’s recovery from long Covid, which has left him bed-bound and seen him cared for by his wife Kate Garraway.

Speaking about the series Amanda Stavri, ITV’s Commissioning Editor, Reality said: ‘Continuing our commitment to bring viewers real-life stories, we are privileged to have Kelsey bravely share her experience after the passing of her husband, Tom. 

‘Kelsey has allowed cameras into her home to follow her very own personal journey with grief, in the hope it helps others.’

Kelsey Parker: Life After Tom has been commissioned by ITV’s Paul Mortimer, Director of Reality Commissioning and ITV’s Commissioning Editor, Reality Amanda Stavri. Executive Producers for Flicker Productions are Colleen Flynn and Charlotte Nicholls. 

The Wanted star Tom died age 33 on March 30 following a battle with brain cancer after he was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma in October 2020, and was given just 12 months to live by doctors. 

Last month, Kelsey took to Instagram to share a loving tribute to her late husband six months after his death.

To mark the sad milestone, Kelsey shared a snap from a wedding to social media this week saying that her Tom was still here and ‘in everything we do’.

The actress shared a photo alongside pals Dean Bowden and Kelsey Ann as they attended a friend’s wedding together where Kelsey was bridesmaid.

 She penned: ‘Another day, another milestone, 6 months to the day since we lost Tom but you’re still here @tomparkerofficial in everything we do’.

 

Memories: To mark the sad milestone, Kelsey shared a snap from a wedding to social media this week saying that her Tom was still here and 'in everything we do'

Memories: To mark the sad milestone, Kelsey shared a snap from a wedding to social media this week saying that her Tom was still here and ‘in everything we do’

‘We have arrived at the hotel to get ready for Kelsey and Dean’s wedding tomorrow and I’m so excited to watch my best friend get married to the best guy we could have chosen for her. The only man Tom ever approved of for our Kels ❤️’.

‘Tom would be so proud of you both and I know he’s gutted to be missing out on this special day. Not having him by my side tomorrow will be one of the hardest challenges I’ve faced yet, but I will do it’.

‘Wedding spam incoming because I am determined to make it the best day for Kels, Dean and all our friends and family but before we start the celebrations I just wanted to do a little post to my Tom. This week has been one of the hardest yet and I would give anything to be sharing this weekend with you ❤️

Holding onto the knowledge that to be loved is everything and we loved hard ❤️ I would say I do to you a million times over ❤️ I love you Tom #positiveparkersforever And now… to Kelsey and Dean!’

Emotional times: Tom was diagnosed with terminal cancer in October 2020, when his wife was 35 weeks pregnant with their second child (pictured)

Emotional times: Tom Parker was diagnosed with terminal cancer in October 2020, when his wife was 35 weeks pregnant with their second child (pictured)

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