Blackpool will pay tribute to the life of Preston Davey after a request to light up the tower in blue is understood to have come via Preston’s birth mum Sarah Davey
Officials at Blackpool Tower have announced that the famous landmark will be illuminated in blue to honour murdered toddler Preston Davey.
The request to illuminate the tower is believed to have originated from Preston’s birth mother Sarah Davey. The tower will glow blue on July 27. A spokesperson for Blackpool Tourism confirmed to LancsLive: “I can confirm that the Tower will be lit in blue on Monday 27 July.”
Preston was just 13 months old when he was killed by his adoptive father Jamie Varley. Varley had been undergoing the adoption process for Preston alongside his then partner John McGowan-Fazakerley.
Throughout a trial spanning more than seven weeks at Preston Crown Court, jurors were told how Preston had endured extensive physical, emotional and sexual abuse following his placement with the pair as prospective adopters in March 2023.
A post-mortem examination revealed the youngster had suffered approximately 40 injuries. Prosecutors branded the case as among the most horrific they had witnessed, with him facing a relentless campaign of abuse throughout the final months of his existence.
Varley was found guilty of murder, sexual offences, causing grievous bodily harm, cruelty and indecent image offences and handed a whole life order. McGowan-Fazakerley was convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child, cruelty and sexual assault and imprisoned for 25 years.
Preston had been removed from his mother Sarah Davey, now 42, by an emergency care order by Oldham Council and placed into foster care at five days old.
In a victim impact statement read at court, Sarah described the day Preston was taken from her as one of the worst of her life.
She said: “I had no choice in that decision. I tried to take some comfort in believing he would be safe, loved, and protected, and he was with his foster parents, Sandra and Paul (Cooper), I trusted them, they and the system trusted you, that trust was completely and unforgivably broken.”
She added: “I will never forgive you for what you did to my son and what you stopped him from becoming and achieving in his life.
“Every single day, I live with the unimaginable pain of wondering what he went through. Those thoughts do not leave me. They are with me when I wake up, and they haunt me when I try to sleep. The reality of how he suffered is something I will carry for the rest of my life.”
Earlier this week, Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley’s new residence, which they relocated to merely 22 days following Preston’s death, has been placed on the market. The property is set to be auctioned online with bidding concluding on July 31.
The property’s description presents it as an “immaculate detached property with stunning countryside views” and is claimed to offer “an ideal opportunity for families”.
Nevertheless, potential purchasers are cautioned: “The vendor is currently serving a custodial sentence following conviction for offences involving [a minor]. It is understood that the offences were not committed at the property.
“This information is being provided in the interests of transparency and to assist prospective purchasers in making an informed decision. Buyers should undertake their own enquiries and satisfy themselves as to any matters that may influence their decision to bid for or purchase the property.”
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