A York woman devastated by the loss of her son has suffered fresh grief through the theft of a monument to his memory.

Marjorie Mercer with a handmade wishing well similar to one stolen from her garden where it stood as a memorial to her son

Marjorie Mercer, of Foxwood Lane, had the commemorative wishing well in her back garden for five years.

She went out to hang her washing out in the morning and noticed the well was missing.

The monument was given to her by her sister, who had it specially made to commemorate the death of her son, James Mercer, 32.

James, a keen motorcyclist, died when his Kawasaki 1300cc motorbike crashed into a telegraph pole in Acomb in 1993.

About 500 motorcyclists from up and down the country attended his funeral.

Marjorie Mercer, is distraught over the theft and would like to see the wooden well returned. "Obviously I was very upset when I saw it was missing. I can't believe anyone could do this. It has brought back so many bad memories. I would just like it back."

The wishing well is about three feet high and made of mahogany.

The police have confirmed the well was stolen, though it was reported as being found abandoned on Wednesday between 8.30am and 9am in Grassholme, Woodthorpe, before it disappeared again.

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