Siva Kaneswaren, a member of The Wanted alongside the late Tom Parker, has opened up about the impact of Tom’s untimely death at the age of 33 on him. Currently backing Memory Bank, an innovative art exhibit honoring brain tumor patients and their families, Siva has taken the opportunity to reflect on his own life journey.
In an exclusive conversation with the Express, Siva revealed how Tom’s passing motivated him to confront his fears. He emphasized how Tom’s courageous approach to life during his illness inspired him to push himself out of his comfort zone. Siva recounted how he took on various challenges, such as participating in Celebrity SAS and competing on Dancing on Ice, where he paid tribute to Tom.
Following Tom’s death, Siva embarked on a personal journey of facing his fears head-on. He engaged in activities he had previously avoided, including joining a theater production to learn Spanish, reconnecting with his family, and even surprising his mother in Ireland for her birthday.
Recalling his final moments with Tom, Siva expressed the deep emotional connection they shared, emphasizing the importance of resolving past conflicts and cherishing the memories they created together. He also highlighted the challenges of grieving in the public eye, a sentiment he shared with Danny from The Script, who had experienced a similar loss.
Siva acknowledged that discussing his emotions publicly, including during performances with The Wanted 2.0, has been therapeutic for him. These experiences have fueled his support for the Memory Bank campaign, which aims to raise awareness about positive memories for glioblastoma patients.
The Memory Bank installation can be viewed at the Westgate Shopping Centre in Oxford before moving to the GenesisCare Centre in Oxford. Additionally, it is accessible through the GenesisCare website for those interested in learning more about the initiative.