Max George gave a heartfelt tribute to Tom Parker at his burial.

The musician stood up to speak about his connection with Tom after acting as a pallbearer at the funeral on Wednesday morning. Singer Tom died last month, at the age of 33, from glioblastoma, an incurable form of brain cancer. He died on March 30 after getting a stage-four cancer diagnosis in 2020 and being given only a few months to live. Tom Parker’s wife Kelsey Parker and their two children, daughter Aurelia and son Bodhi, was left behind when his illness became incurable.

Hundreds of fans, as well as relatives and friends, gathered at St Francis of Assisi church in Orpington on Wednesday to commemorate his life.

Tom’s old The Wanted bandmates were among the audience, carrying his coffin into the church in an emotional procession. Max rose to speak, paying respect to Tom as the one who has “carrying” his companions through difficult times since the band’s inception.

“As he carried us for the last 12 years, I could literally hear him say, ‘It’s about time,'” he recalled of his position as pallbearer. “Tom was always a brother; he made such an impression right away.” His passion for music and drive for success far outstripped ours.”

As he carried us for the past 12 years, I could almost hear him remark, ‘It’s about time.’ “He described his duty as pallbearer as follows: He was taken from us far too soon, and we shall miss him greatly. Outsiders, people from all over the world, are a credit to him. Mate, take it easy.” Tom’s bandmates were overtaken with sorrow as they carried his casket into the service for his funeral today. Hundreds of mourners lined the streets to pay their respects to Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, and Nathan Sykes.

Kelsey, Tom’s widow, led a cortege of three black horses through Petts Wood in south-east London, which he married in 2018.  The side of the carriage was decked with flowers spelling out the word “Daddy,” while the front was adorned with a floral sign spelling out the word “Tom” in red roses. Before the funeral procession began, the star’s family and close friends gathered in The Sovereign Of The Seas bar, which is located across the street from the funeral home.

Outside St Francis of Assisi church, flowers spelled out “Glad You Came,” the title of The Wanted’s 2011 hit that went to number one in a number of countries. Speaking before of the burial, Kelsey said: “Thomas Anthony Parker is a made-up name. A private memorial ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 20th.

“We know many of you want to pay your respects, so please join us in Petts Wood at 10 a.m.