Kelsey Parker is about to face her second Christmas without Tom Parker (Picture: Instagram/being_kelsey)
Tom Parker’s widow Kelsey Parker has offered some incredible advice to those grieving at Christmas.
The Wanted singer died aged 33 in March last year after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Kelsey has been navigating major milestones without him while raising their children – Aurelia, four, and Bodhi, two.
Last year, Kelsey experienced her first Christmas without the singer – which she said was a struggle – and now has some invaluable advice for those going through the same in 2023.
‘I really struggled with Christmas last year because Tom used to spend a lot of Christmases with my family, [so] we tried to mix it up and do something different,’ she said in an interview with the Evening Standard.
Always one to share her grieving process for followers also mourning the death of a loved one, Kelsey added: ‘I think if this is your first [Christmas] of losing someone, try and do something a little bit different.
The Wanted star died in March last year from a brain tumour (Picture: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
They welcomed two children together – Aurelia and Bodhi (Picture: Instagram/being_kelsey)
‘Also, remember that person, but don’t be so hard on yourself, like, if you’re having a bad moment then have that moment and embrace it, then try and get on with the rest of your day.’
Kelsey and Tom married in July 2018 after a two year engagement.
They met in a nightclub back in 2009, and both said it was love at first sight.
Last Christmas, Kelsey wrote about how it was the ‘little things’ that happened over the festive period that suddenly felt so ‘huge’ without Tom – like not needing to buy his festive favourites in the food shop, setting less place mats, and writing gift tags from just her to their kids.
On Christmas Eve 2022, she continued: ‘I’ve been putting Christmas off because honestly I’ve been dreading it.
‘But it’s for the kids, they’ve always been my reason to get up each day and find the positives, and never has that been more true than this week.
‘There’ll be empty chairs tomorrow and tears, but there’ll also be smiles, laughter and dancing – just as you would’ve had it.’
Taking to Instagram again last year, she wrote: ‘Merry Christmas everyone. Thank you to everyone who has commented and sent messages this year. I do read them all and having so much support really means the world.
Kelsey has been very open about her grief, helping others along the way (Picture: Instagram/being_kelsey)
Kelsey recently broke up with her boyfriend (Picture: Kelsey Parker / Instagram)
‘If you’re missing someone today remember there’s no right or wrong way to be feeling. Do what’s right for you and be kind to yourself.’
Kelsey previously spoke to Metro.co.uk about refusing to let ‘guilt’ stop her from living her life following the tragic loss of Tom.
She just days ago announced her split from ex-boyfriend, electrician Sean.
Taking to social media, a fan asked her if they had broken up, to which she replied: ‘We’re not together anymore. It’s a shame it didn’t work out as he’s a really amazing person, but it just wasn’t right.
‘Hopefully one day I will find love again,’ she added alongside a heart emoji.
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He died in March 2022.