Dad's anger over theft from charity's wishing well

A father has told of his anger after thieves broke into a charity's wishing well and stole hundreds of pounds donated in memory of his son.

Tristan Cork said the theft had threatened the future of an annual Christmas lights display in Hethersett, Norfolk – although he added the community had rallied round with support in the wake of the incident.

Mr Cork, 43, organises the display to raise money for his charity Finnbar's Force, which supports children who have been diagnosed with cancer and brain tumours.

The charity is named after his son, who died from a brain tumour in 2016.

The money was stolen from the well in Park Green between 19:00 GMT on Monday, 8 December and 07:30 the following day.

Mr Cork said the Christmas lights display in Park Green costs thousands of pounds each year.

"That money on a daily basis raises enough money for children to have therapy, play therapy, support for parents and siblings, and now we can't use that money for those purposes," he said.

The wishing well has been badly damaged, but Mr Cork said he hoped it could remain in place as a decoration, or be replaced.

"We put on this display every year as a community event, something for parents to bring their kids to, and for the community to enjoy," he said.

"It costs us money to put the display on, it costs us money to buy lights. It is really disheartening, really disappointing that someone from this community or further afield has just come here and done this to spoil our event."

Mr Cork told the BBC that after sharing news of the theft, there had been an "absolute outpouring" of support from the community.

"I was angry, and I was really disappointed when I found out. I was feeling quite down about it, but it's difficult to remain that way when we've had so much support subsequently. I can't keep up with it," he said.

"We've had offers from about four welders to fix the well, and a lot of offers to replace the cash. We've got back now probably what's been taken."

Norfolk Police is asking for witnesses or people with relevant doorbell footage to get in touch.

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