When a Thief Stole from a Child’s Memorial Wishing Well

In a heartbreaking incident that has shaken a small Norfolk community, Tristan Cork discovered that someone had broken into a memorial wishing well dedicated to his late son Finnbar, stealing hundreds of pounds meant for charity. The wishing well sits as part of an elaborate Christmas light display that Tristan creates each year in Hethersett, Norfolk, to honor his son who tragically passed away from a brain tumor in 2016 when he was just five years old. The display, which has grown into a beloved community tradition, raises funds for Finnbar’s Force—a charity supporting families affected by childhood cancer and brain tumors. The theft has left Tristan questioning whether he can continue the heartfelt memorial that has helped both honor his son’s memory and support other families facing similar struggles.

“We are really proud of the display,” the 43-year-old father explained, his voice tinged with disappointment. “I don’t want to stop doing it, but an incident like this has made me question whether we will be able to keep the display up. It’s sad people want to destroy that.” What began in 2017 as a small neighborhood project has evolved into a substantial fundraising effort that has collected approximately £30,000 over the years for Finnbar’s Force. The charity has become Tristan’s way of creating meaning from tragedy, establishing a support center in Norwich that provides holistic assistance to families navigating the devastating journey of childhood cancer. On December 8th, however, someone forced open the wishing well that had been carefully built by a retired local carpenter, making off with donations that local community members had generously contributed to support the cause.

Behind the festive lights and charitable mission lies Finnbar’s story—a tale of a young boy whose life changed drastically shortly after his fifth birthday. In November 2015, Finnbar began experiencing dizziness, which evolved into severe headaches and bouts of projectile vomiting by early 2016. After emergency brain surgery to relieve dangerous pressure, he was diagnosed with a Grade Two Astrocytoma. As his condition continued to deteriorate, doctors later suspected that the original diagnosis had been incorrect and that Finnbar was suffering from a much more aggressive form of brain cancer. Just five months after his initial diagnosis, on August 5, 2016, Finnbar passed away, leaving his parents Tristan and Claire to navigate the unimaginable pain of losing a child. In the depths of their grief, they found purpose in helping others, establishing Finnbar’s Force a year after their son’s death.

The Christmas display has become much more than a memorial—it’s a community gathering point that brings light during the darkest season of the year. “It’s to remember Finnbar but also for the community,” Tristan shared. The work begins in early October, with lights being installed and switched on by the end of the month. The display includes donation boxes attached to lampposts and the now-damaged wishing well, which sits in a neighbor’s garden as a central feature of the winter wonderland. Despite the theft leaving him disheartened, Tristan has been deeply moved by the community’s response: “The outpouring of support that we’ve had since has solidified that we want to carry on. Despite the fact there are unpleasant individuals out there, there are also good people.” Neighbors have offered donations and volunteered to repair the damaged wishing well, reaffirming the positive spirit that the memorial has fostered in Hethersett.

Finnbar’s Force has raised an impressive £500,000 through various fundraising initiatives, including the Christmas display, cycle rides, and charity balls. The money supports crucial services for families facing childhood cancer diagnoses. “Our aim is to make sure families get all the support they need when they need it,” explains Tristan, who helps run the charity’s support center. “There are gaps in the support available, and we provide a more holistic service. We’re fundraising at the moment for a one-to-one support worker for families going through diagnosis.” Having lived through the overwhelming experience himself, Tristan understands how difficult it is to manage everyday life while emotionally devastated by a child’s cancer diagnosis. “It’s an awful time. You’re going through the worst moment of your life, but everything else still carries on. You still have children to look after, your car goes wrong, the toilet leaks. It’s difficult to cope when you’re at emotional capacity. If we can help relieve some of that burden, that’s what we’re here for.”

Though the exact amount stolen remains unknown, as volunteers hadn’t counted the donations beforehand, the theft represents not just a financial loss but a violation of sacred space dedicated to a child’s memory. Last year alone, the display raised £10,000 for the charity. While two CCTV cameras monitor the well, they unfortunately failed to capture the culprit who struck on that Monday night. Norfolk Police are now investigating the incident, calling for witnesses, doorbell-camera footage, or any information that might help identify the thief. Despite this setback, the essence of what Tristan Cork has created remains intact—a beautiful tribute to a little boy whose short life continues to inspire kindness and support for others. The lights still shine in Hethersett, and though one person chose to steal from a child’s memorial, hundreds more continue to honor Finnbar’s memory through their generosity and compassion, ensuring that his legacy of helping others will endure.