Finnbar's Force switches on its Hethersett Christmas lights

Wheelchair tennis star Alfie Hewett was on hand to turn on the lights in Hethersett for Finnbar's Force.

The charity was founded in 2017 following the loss of Finnbar Cork to an aggressive brain tumour in August 2016.

The charity is hoping to move into a new support facility in Eaton in 2024 which they hope will be a place that families can come to for support and advice.

Finnbar’s father, Tristan Cork, said: “It’s amazing, it’s emotional, really emotional. Every year I say we’re not doing this again because it is so much work.

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“Then we get to this point in the night and there’s so many people together and brings the community together and it’s all in memory of our little boy.

"It is so special to me.”

Tristan Cork with his son, Finnbar, who died in 2016 at the age of five after being diagnosed with a brain tumour (Image: Tristan Cork)

There were more than 400 people who packed into Park Green on Sunday night to see the lights turned on by the Norfolk tennis ace.

Mr Hewett, who won the US Open and Australian Open singles titles this year, said: “I feel extremely honoured to be a part of this night. 

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"I’ve heard about it in recent years so when I received the email from the charity it was a no-brainer to come out here and be part of the event.

Around 30 houses are involved in the Finnbar's Force Christmas lights in Hethersett (Image: Ben Fieldhouse)

“I think the support the charity offers is just unbelievable. The dedication that Tristan and everyone that works within the charity put into providing that sort of service is so important.”

DONATE: Finnbar's Force Christmas lights 2023

There are now 30 houses that are part of the Christmas display. 

Around 30 houses are involved in the Finnbar's Force Christmas lights in Hethersett (Image: Ben Fieldhouse)

Alan Metcalf, 76, plays a big hand in the planning of the lights.

He said: “I know we raise money for Finnbar’s Force but Tristan likes to see it as a little bit of a tribute because a lot of the village has helped and it’s a way of bettering their lives because they get a little bit of pleasure from it."

There was a big turnout to see the Finnbar's Force Christmas lights switched on (Image: Ben Fieldhouse)