'Special man' Ed Sheeran helped The Wanted's Tom Parker pay for his cancer treatment

Virgin Radio

16 May 2022, 13:03

In sad but heartwarming news, it's been revealed in Tom Parker's posthumous autobiography that friend and fellow musician Ed Sheeran helped pay for his cancer treatment.

The Wanted star devastatingly passed away in March having lost his battle against a brain tumour.

In an extract from the late singer's autobiography, Hope, out on 26 May, he spoke about the labelled the 'very special man'.

The extract published via The Sun reads: "Pretty much from the moment I was diagnosed, Ed Sheeran reached out to me with an offer to do anything he could to help.

"Ed and I have known each other since he joined The Wanted on our tour bus during a promotion trip in America more than ten years ago. We’ve always run into each other over the years and had a great relationship.

"I've never publicly said this before (and he'll probably be mad that I'm doing it now) but Ed is a very special man - he even helped out with my medical bills when I was seeking other treatment options and having private immunotherapy.

"He didn't need to do any of that, but my wife Kelsey and I are so grateful to him for his support. It meant the world."

Ed posted on Instagram at the time: "So sad to hear of Tom’s passing. Thoughts and love are with Kelsey, his children and his family. Very sad day, what a lovely guy x."