Kelsey Parker lifts the lid on her pregnancy so far, the emotional football match last weekend in late husband Tom Parker’s honour and she and new partner Will keeping his memory alive
With two children and a new baby on the way, Kelsey Parker has her hands full. But as we sit down for an exclusive chat, she appears at ease, laughing as she runs us through her hectic week and future plans ahead of giving birth this summer. Kelsey is already mum to daughter Aurelia and son Bodhi, who she welcomed with her late husband Tom Parker. Tom, a singer in boyband The Wanted, passed away in 2022 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Now, Kelsey is expecting her first child with new partner Will Lindsay, who she began dating last year. Alongside preparing for the new arrival and getting into the swing of parenthood with Will, Kelsey is continuing her extensive charity work in late husband Tom’s name, including hosting a successful charity football match last weekend, sponsored by Grove Gallery, in his memory. Here, the 34-year-old opens up exclusively to OK! about her relationship with tree surgeon Will, her pregnancy and keeping Tom’s memory alive.
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Hi Kelsey. How is your pregnancy going so far?
It’s been smooth so far. I’m due at the end of June. I’m trying to enjoy this pregnancy more, because I think when you’ve been through something like I’ve been through, you realise how precious life is. I know that sounds clichéd, but it’s true. I just want to enjoy every moment of it with Will. When I fell pregnant with Aurelia, I thought I had my life set. I had the perfect life – I’d been with Tom since the age of 19 and had everything sorted. Then my world got flipped upside down and I think that teaches you how precious life is.
Do you feel prepared to give birth?
No! But Will’s the most chilled-out person and doesn’t overthink anything. I said to him last night, “Do you think we should actually get some baby stuff?” Because we’ve got nothing. But then I also know, this being my third time around, that I don’t need loads of stuff. I’ve kept nothing from the others, which doesn’t help. But you’ve just got to go with the flow.
How’s Will feeling – is he nervous about becoming a dad?
I don’t think you know with Will whether he’s nervous or not. I keep trying to have the conversation with him and he’s just chilled. I keep saying, “What do you think it is, a boy or a girl?” and he just goes, “Kelsey, it will be one or the other.” So he gives nothing away. It works really well for us though, because we’re both so relaxed. I think everyone around us is more stressed!
Are the kids looking forward to a new baby in the house?
They’re so excited. Dolly, my dog, has become the baby – Aurelia is carrying her around everywhere, saying she’s practising. I think she thinks she’s going to be carrying the baby all the time! Bodhi is excited to be a big brother, too, because he’s always been the youngest. I think they’ll both be quite protective with the baby.
Bodhi’s such a soft soul and Aurelia is already being mumsy. I’d say my only nerves are about the baby fitting into family life. They’re going to need to be ready to come on the school run early in the morning. One of the other mums at Aurelia’s school was back at swimming lessons a week after giving birth. I feel like that’s going to be me.
What is the kids’ relationship with Will like?
They are so close with Will. He went away for the weekend recently and they rang him every day and were like, “When are you coming back?” I think it’s because they’ve lost someone, too, as other children probably wouldn’t be like that with anew father figure in their life.
Something that’s been making me emotional is that the baby’s going to call Will “dad” one day and I think that’s going to be hard for them to navigate. They don’t call Will “dad” but I don’t know how that’s going to change when the baby’s here. It might be strange for them. I have spoken to them about it and they kind of understand, but talking about it and it happening are very different things.
How was the charity football match for Tom last week?
It’s our third year now, which is crazy. I can’t believe it’s been three years since we lost him. It’s a reminder that it’s been that long. I’m the biggest control freak, but it’s something I’m passionate about. I always want the day to be perfect for him. It’s days like the football match when the realisation that he’s not here hits, so it’s emotional. Then you think of other families affected by brain tumours and how underfunded brain tumour research is. Tom touched so many people’s hearts – that’s why people come to support us.
What did the kids think of the match?
They were so excited. Bodhi came on the pitch before the match started, with his little football team, and then Aurelia performed with my performing arts school during half time. They’re getting older each year, so they understand it more. Will brought his whole family along and some friends, too.
Source: Mirror
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