Kelsey Parker has announced the tragic news that her third-born child was stillborn – and that it was a little boy, named Phoenix. The podcast host, 34, who was expecting her third child with her partner Will Lindsay, broke the devastating news on her Instagram.
Kelsey’s heartbreaking tribute to her son included one simple heartbreaking caption: “Phoenix Parker-Lindsay, you will forever be loved”, alongside a moving poem, entitled For Phoenix, Born Sleeping, Forever Loved.
The poem read: “The world grew quiet as you arrived, So loved, so longed for, yet not alive. Our precious boy, our angel light, Born with wings, took silent flight.
“We named you Phoenix, brave and bright. A soul of love, of warmth and light Though we never heard you cry, You’ll live in hearts that won;t ask why. No breath you drew, no eyes to see, Still, you mean everything to me. You’ll journey with us, softly near, In every sigh, in every tear.”
In a second Instagram story, Kelsey wrote: “Before I receive an influx of lovely messages and heartfelt wishes, I wanted to just say that I truly appreciate everything you are all going to say and share.
“But with the news being so raw, I would really like to ensure that we as a family are given space and time to process this devastating and earth-shattering news. I love you all and thank you for your understanding and space. Love always, Kelsey, Will, and the Parker Family.”
Following Kelsey’s devastating announcement, her fans and friends alike have rushed to share their support. Olivia Bowen commented: “Kelsey I’m so sorry. Thinking of you all & sending you so much love.”
Kelsey had happily showed off her baby bump as she attended the Elio UK Gala screening at Vue Cinema in London’s Leicester Square with her children on Sunday 17th June.
The family outing came after Kelsey shared her appreciation for Will earlier this month in an Instagram post, in which she said she was ‘’full of gratitude’ for her partner and thanked him for his help with her young children.
She included a series of loved-up photos of them together, including one of them on holiday, and photos of Will with Aurelia and Bodhi.
Kelsey wrote: “Appreciation post. I know you’re not a fan of being on my social media, but I can’t help it – this moment deserves to be shared.
“We’re just a month away from meeting our baby, and I’m so full of gratitude. Thank you for everything you do – for me and for the kids. We love and adore you more than words can say I can’t wait to start this next chapter with you. Honestly, I think you’re going to find the newborn stage a breeze after handling a 5 and 4-year-old.”
Kelsey shares children Aurelia, five, and Bodhi, four, with The Wanted star Tom Parker, who tragically died from brain cancer in 2022 at the age of 33, four years after they married.
She had opened up to the Mirror in January about her excitement at welcoming a third child into the family home in South East London which she now shares with tree surgeon Will, after finding love again last September.
Confessing that the baby, which would have been Will’s first child, was a “happy accident”, Kelsey said she was gently preparing Aurelia and Bodhi for a new sibling, and sharing the joyous news with Tom’s family.
Tom’s mum Noreen, she said at the time, had immediately given her blessing. “All I care about is that both our families and Tom’s family are happy. Noreen is the most amazing lady. After Tom passed, she said to me, as long as you’re happy Kels, whatever you do, we will always support you and be happy for you.’ We’ve all been through so much together. But I’m here and bringing another baby into the world.”
Revealing that they were both committed to keeping Tom’s memory alive for the children, Will also revealed in the January interview. “I’m over the moon. This is something I’ve wanted for a long time. I couldn’t be happier and I know Kelsey is going to be an amazing mum, as she already is.”
Speaking about finding new love while holding onto Tom’s memory, Kelsey was also candid about her journey through grief and into single motherhood at a young age.
“If I dwelled on everything that’s happened, I wouldn’t be here,” she told the Mirror poignantly. “Tom was my soulmate. I’m still angry he’s gone. But I can’t live in sadness. Tom wouldn’t want that.”
In the UK, a stillbirth is defined as the death of a baby after 24 weeks of pregnancy. They are sadly a reality, with around 1 in every 250 births in England ending in stillbirth. According to the NHS, some stillbirths are linked to complications with the placenta, a birth defect or with the mother’s health. For others, no cause is found.
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity). You can call them on 0808 164 3332 or email [email protected]
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