Loving foster parents of Preston Davey say they 'can't retire' and help kids in murdered baby's memory
“We are doing this for Preston, in his memory.”
Ahead of judge Mr Justice Turner’s sentencing of killer ex-South Shore Academy teacher Jamie Varley, 37, and abuser John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, the victim impact statement of Preston’s foster carer Sandra Cooper was read to the court.
“Preston's death has had a huge impact upon our lives. Preston was going to be the last child we fostered; however, we could not retire after Preston died. We felt we had a duty to other children and could not sit back and enjoy ourselves knowing that other children were being abused, mistreated and could die.
“My husband Paul and I have continued to foster children to protect them. We are doing this for Preston, in his memory. Preston's death has changed my perspective on life; things I once felt were important I now feel are not. I realise that life is too short.
“Paul and I have previously felt that the best option for all our foster children was to leave us happy and healthy to go and live with a new permanent adoptive family. We now struggle with this, and I will feel mistrustful and anxious about any of our children leaving our care to live with strangers.
“Paul and I will often watch the videos we took of Preston when he was happy with us laughing and giggling, playing with his toys smiling.
“Preston's face would light up when we looked at him; he was joyful, so content and happy, with sparkly smiling eyes. That is how we want to remember him.
“I will often dream about Preston and I feel that he is still alive, but when I wake up I realise he has died and I go through the trauma again of knowing he has died and how.
“I just want to see his smiling happy face again. I am devastated about his death and I struggle when I think about what pain and torture he has been through before he died.
“Paul and I have attended Court and listened to the evidence and we now need to remember Preston as he was when he was in our care.
“Preston was wonderful, happy and lit up any room. Preston will remain in our thoughts and prayers forever.”