I think everyone in Blackpool will be at the Preston Davey vigil to pay tribute to a very special little boy
Overwhelming response in build-up to evening of quiet reflection in St John’s Square.
A child abuse campaigner in Blackpool to help organise a vigil in memory of baby Preston Davey says he has been overwhelmed by the reaction from local people to the case and the event.
Dave Sharp, who helped organise a vigil tribute to the murdered youngster in Preston last month, has travelled from his home in Northampton to rally support for the Blackpool vigil, which will be in St John’s Square on Monday, July 27 from 7pm.
He and supporters have been been going round shops, pubs and businesses handed out leaflets promoting the vigil and inviting donations and teddy bears and candles for the event, which can be dropped in special bags left at the premises visited.
“The response has been amazing,” said Dave. “Everyone in Blackpool wants to talk about Preston Davey and practically everyone we have spoken to has said they intend to be at the vigil.
“It’s going to be a very special evening in memory or a very special little boy.”
Blackpool Tower will be lit up in blue at the request of Preston’s birth mum Sarah Davey, for the vigil, which is being billed as an evening of quiet reflection to remember Preston.
The date is the third anniversary of Preston’s death and Dave, who has followed the case closely and is liaising with local organiser Jim McMillan, has already arranged for a piper to attend the Blackpool vigil.
A church minister is also expected to say a few words in tribute
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Tragic case
Preston Davey was 13-months-old when he was murdered by the man who was in the process of adopting him. The man he came to know as ‘dad’. Ex-South Shore Academy teacher Jamie Varley, 37, was given a whole life sentence for murder, child cruelty, sexual offences and indecent images relating to Preston.
His now ex-partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was jailed for 25 years for allowing the death of a child, child cruelty and sexual assault.
Jim McMillan has said of the Blackpool vigil: “We don’t want any mention of his killers, it’s not a protest, no hate, no politics - there has been enough, this is purely for remembering Preston.”
Preston Davey deserved better
Preston Davey was just 13-months-old when he was murdered by the man who was in the process of adopting him. The man he came to know as ‘dad’.
In less than four months, little Preston was sexually assaulted, physically and emotionally abused, and left with 40 non-accidental injuries. He was taken to hospital three times. Social workers visited regularly. His abusers even admitted to having dark thoughts about him. And still, nothing stopped it.
Ex-South Shore Academy teacher Jamie Varley, 37, was given a whole life sentence for murder, child cruelty, sexual offences and indecent images relating to Preston. His now ex-partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was jailed for 25 years for allowing the death of a child, child cruelty and sexual assault.
Demand a national inquiry
His birth mother Sarah Davey, now 42, was just 14 years old when she and her friend — then known as Lisa Healey — were convicted of torturing 71-year-old widow Lily Lilley of West Street, Failsworth in 1998.
Sarah, who was in prison when she gave birth to Preston, has been released on licence numerous times since her first release in March 2013 but has been recalled for breaching the terms of her licence.
Preston was taken into care by Oldham Council and placed for adoption by regional adoption agency Adoption Now. Blackpool’s children’s services had no involvement in his safeguarding.
Preston was placed in Blackpool at the killer’s home in Staining Road, Staining.
But the question that has to be asked - and answered - is how a baby boy in the care of the state could be so badly let down by every system designed to protect him