A grieving father’s Facebook post about the repeated theft of a candle lit in his son’s honour has sparked a wave of solidarity from strangers across Malta and Gozo.

Reuben Demicoli and his wife light a candle in memory of their son Matthew, who died four months ago, every day. But more often than not, the candle is gone by the morning.

His distress at the shameless theft prompted him to vent on Facebook. The post, which has prompted over 1,700 reactions, brought the Demicoli family a wave of sympathy.

Mr Demicoli's original post prompted an outpouring of sympathy. Source: Facebook

It also led to a repeated act of solidarity, with various people lighting a candle of their own and posting the image beneath Mr Demicoli’s original post in local Facebook group The Salott.

“Salottiers, light a candle for Matthew,” wrote Sharon Tanti. “Let us stand by this family tonight.”

Matthew was honoured as far away as Brittany, France.

The outburst of solidarity was much appreciated by Mr Demicoli.

Users' gesture of solidarity was much appreciated by Mr Demicoli. Source: Facebook

“This was my first post ever here,” he wrote in a Facebook comment. “I’m touched by all of you who left a comment or even went the extra mile to light a candle for my beloved Matthew. Great to know there are so many kind-hearted people around. RIP Matt,” he added.