Vigil in Blackpool in memory of baby Preston Davey tonight on third anniversary of his death

Today marks the third anniversary of the death of murdered baby Preston Davey - and the people of Blackpool are marking the sad occasion by coming together this evening (Mon) for a poignant vigil in the town centre.

The 13-month old was killed by his adoptive dad Jamie Varley, the 37-year-old former South Shore Academy teacher who was given a whole life sentence for murder, child cruelty, sexual offences and indecent images relating to Preston.

Varley’s now ex-partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, 32, was jailed for 25 years for allowing the death of a child, child cruelty and sexual assault.

The vigil

The vigil is being held in St John’s Square from 7pm and The Gazette will be relaying it live on Facebook.

Co-organiser Dave Sharp says he has been overwhelmed by the response from Blackpool people to the vigil.

“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,” he said.

“It’s going to be a very special evening in memory or a very special little boy.”

Dave, who also helped organise a similar event in Preston city centre last month, on what would have been baby Preston’s fourth birthday, has been liaising with local organiser Jim McMillan and the team at the Armfield club, who are unveiling a special banner at the vigil.

Rev Tracy Charnock, vicar of Holy Trinity and St Cuthbert’s at South Shore, will say prayers and give a reading at the vigil.

She says it will be “a powerful and poignant evening in our town”, adding: “We will come together as the people of Blackpool in solidarity; honouring Preston's short life and valuing the precious lives of all of our children and young people.”

Timings

The vigil is planned to start at 7pm and finish at 9pm, but from 5pm, people are encouraged to drop off teddy bears, candles and flowers.

Following quiet contemplation and some speeches in the opening hour, a piper will herald he invitation at 8pm for everyone to come forward and lay teddies, candles and flowers with the children at the front with their mothers.

Prayers will then be followed by a minute’s silence, after which the piper and Rev Charnock will lead everyone to the Blackpool Tower, where there will be the opportunity to lay more teddies as the Tower lights up in blue in Preston’s memory.

Our petition

Back The Gazette’s petition calling for a national inquiry into the safeguarding failures that led to the death of little Preston Davey. 60,000 people have already added their support including Boris Johnson's wife Carrie and global superstar Ellie Goulding. Let's make it impossible for the government to ignore.

Details here: https://trib.al/RCekVFp