About 150 people gathered in Blackpool as Blackpool Tower was lit blue to mark three years since 13-month-old Preston Davey was killed on 27 July 2023. Jamie Varley received a whole-life sentence, and his partner, John McGowan Fazakerley, was jailed for 25 years. Preston's birth parents attended the vigil; the government has pledged independent reviews of Oldham Council and Blackpool Victoria Hospital, while a Child Safeguarding Practice Review is already under way.
Blackpool Tower Lit Blue as About 150 Gather for Vigil Honouring Toddler Preston Davey
A vigil was attended by about 150 people who travelled to Blackpool from across the UK to pay their respects to the murdered toddler [Yunus Mulla/BBC]
About 150 people gathered on Blackpool's promenade as Blackpool Tower was illuminated blue to mark three years since the death of 13-month-old Preston Davey.
People came from as far as Scotland, Kent and Wales to pay their respects [Yunus Mulla/BBC]
Jamie Varley, 37, was given a whole-life sentence after a Preston Crown Court trial heard he subjected the infant to "unremitting abuse" and that a final sexual assault on 27 July 2023 caused fatal injuries. Varley's partner, John McGowan Fazakerley, received a 25-year sentence after being convicted of allowing the death of a child and of sexually abusing the boy.
Preston Davey's birth mother, Sarah Davey, at the vigil to mark three years since he was murdered [BBC]
Preston's birth mother, Sarah Davey, and birth father, Gary Nolan, attended the vigil, which drew mourners from across Britain, including Scotland, Kent and Wales. Attendees laid flowers, cards and children's soft toys along the promenade as tributes.
The 13-month old died on 27 July 2023 at the hands of his adoptive father [Police handout]
Organisers and Attendees Pay Tribute
Organiser Jim McMillan said he arranged the event to honour a baby who "died unnecessarily" and that putting the vigil together proved unexpectedly emotional.
"It's got really big, bigger than I thought," McMillan said. He added that he had spoken to people who had travelled long distances and that Preston's mother, whom he helped with transport, was "upset but moved" by the turnout.
Local resident Kay Young, who said her own experiences in the care system prompted her to attend, told organisers she had "nearly been a victim of the same situation" but managed to escape at age seven. "The system's failed and has been ever since I was a kid," she said.
Official Reviews Under Way
In response to the case, the government has pledged to instruct independent experts to review the roles played by Oldham Council, which handled the adoption process, and Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where Varley took Preston on several occasions. A Child Safeguarding Practice Review is already under way to examine the involvement of agencies that had contact with Preston during his short life.
The vigil in Blackpool brought together family, friends and strangers united in grief and a call for accountability, highlighting continuing concerns about how agencies protect vulnerable children.
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