Kelsey Parker has spoken candidly about the deeply distressing and "harrowing" care she received following the stillbirth of her son, Phoenix. The 35-year-old television personality, who is mother to two children with her late husband Tom Parker from The Wanted, has endured profound personal tragedy in recent years.
A Double Tragedy of Loss
Kelsey's husband Tom passed away in 2022 at age 33 from glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. The couple share two young children: Aurelia, six, and Bodhi, four. Last June, Kelsey suffered further heartbreak when her unborn baby with new boyfriend Will Lindsay was stillborn at 39 weeks.
The stillbirth occurred at home before Kelsey was transferred to a maternity ward, an experience she describes as adding significantly to her trauma. "I wouldn't wish what I went through on anyone," she revealed during an emotional interview. "It was absolutely horrendous and harrowing."
Traumatic Hospital Experience
Following the stillbirth, Kelsey was placed on a ward alongside new mothers with their healthy newborns. She recalls receiving little kindness or understanding from medical staff during this vulnerable time. "I didn't feel much kindness," she explained. "The people who had to look after me, their jaws were on the floor and they didn't know what to do."
Speaking on Sky News, Kelsey reflected on how the experience has affected her perspective on maternity care. "On my own podcast I hear stories of birth trauma all the time," she said. "So many of us with birth are not heard or frightened to have a voice in the birth process."
Parenting Through Grief
Kelsey has spoken openly about the challenge of managing her grief while continuing to parent her two young children. "I had to be strong for my other children," she explained. "People were devastated for me. My children really wanted their baby brother to be there."
She noted that her children's understanding of death has developed beyond what might be expected for their ages. "Their understanding of death is beyond children of their age," Kelsey observed. "So they understood that Phoenix wasn't coming back."
A Poignant Perspective
Despite the overwhelming pain, Kelsey has found a way to frame her losses in a meaningful way. "I like to think of it as Will is looking after Tom's kids here," she shared, "and up there Tom is looking after Will's child."
This perspective was echoed in a touching Christmas tribute Kelsey shared on social media, where she revealed she had added Phoenix's name to Tom's memorial bench. The plaque reads: "I walk towards my destiny with ease. Phoenix Parker-Lindsay."
Looking to the Future
Kelsey has revealed plans to try for another baby in 2026, expressing hope for a "better year" after what she describes as a "really really tough" period. Speaking on her podcast Mum's The Word! with Georgia Jones, she explained: "I just want a better year, it was really really tough, it was s**t."
She added: "I think to continue the path of, 'is there a baby this year for me', I could have one this year, which is exciting, also I think raising awareness and keep doing my charity work."
Finding Peace and Support
Kelsey has received an outpouring of support from fans following her revelations about Phoenix's stillbirth. When she shared the Christmas tribute to her son, followers responded with messages of comfort and understanding.
One fan commented: "So beautifully said and I love that so much - love you all," while another added: "Wow how special, doesn't matter what others think or believe. It's what matters to you."
At the end of last year, Kelsey shared a heartfelt video on Instagram acknowledging her need for "space to breathe" and admitting that she sometimes feels "like I'm holding the whole world with my bare hands."
"I'm not ok, but I don't have to be," she told her followers. "None of us do. What matters is that I keep moving, keep loving, keep believing that better days are coming. And they are, they've got to be."
