In December we sadly discovered that the wishing well at Finnbar’s Christmas Lights had been broken into and badly damaged. The incident happened on Monday evening, when someone forced open the welded metal grille to access the donations inside.
As many of you will know, the wishing well has been part of the display since the early years. Children love dropping in their coins and making a wish, and every pound collected goes directly towards supporting families affected by childhood cancer – helping us offer therapies, grants, and practical and emotional support.
To see it damaged so deliberately was incredibly disheartening for all of us.
Our Christmas Lights first began eight years ago as a tribute to our son, Finnbar, who died in 2016 from an aggressive brain tumour. What started as a way for Finnbar’s family and neighbours to remember him has grown into something much bigger – a community tradition that brings light and connection to thousands of people each year.
The money raised from the kind donations people make at the display has helped fund play therapy, massage, counselling, yoga therapy and support sessions at The Den – our family support centre. Of course, some of the money raised is invested in replacement lights, to keep the display going each year too. The well is used for collecting some of the cash donations and it’s one of the little touches that makes the display feel magical for visiting children.
Although the break-in was upsetting, the response from the community has been nothing short of remarkable.
Within hours of sharing the news, so many of you reached out with messages of support, offers of help and incredibly kind donations. Some even offered to build or fund a replacement wishing well so that children wouldn’t miss out.
Your kindness has truly lifted our spirits.
This display was started in memory of Finnbar, but it has grown into something special for the whole community and while we’re saddened by the actions of one person, the reaction from everyone else has reminded us exactly why we keep doing this.
The display is a huge labour of love each year, and it raises vital funds that help us continue supporting families across Norfolk and Suffolk. We won’t let this incident take away the joy it brings.
We have reviewed our CCTV footage and have passed everything to Norfolk Police. If you saw anything in the Park Green area on Monday evening, please let the police know or contact us directly.
How You Can Help
If you would like to support the display or help us recover some of the lost funds, donations can be made at:
https://www.givengain.com/campaign/finnbars-christmas-lights-2025
Every contribution – large or small – helps us continue our work and ensures the lights remain a source of hope, warmth and togetherness for families for years to come.
Thank you, as always, for standing with us – your support means more than you know.