The Scottish organiser of a vigil for tragically murdered toddler Preston Davey has revealed further details ahead of the event, set to take place in one week’s time.
Preston was just 13 months old when he passed away on July 27, 2023, at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, just four months after being placed with adoptive fathers Jamie Varley and John McGowan-Fazakerley at their Staining Road home.
Following a trial at Preston Crown Court, Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were found guilty of 30 offences between them. Varley received a whole life order after being convicted of murder, GBH, child cruelty, taking indecent photographs and sexual abuse, while McGowan-Fazakerley was handed a 25-year sentence for allowing the death of a child, child cruelty and sexual assault.
The trial prompted an overwhelming wave of public grief and fury, with a vigil already having taken place in Preston shortly after proceedings concluded.
View 2 ImagesA flyer advertising the vigil(Image: Dave Sharp)
Dave Sharp, a self-described child sex abuse survivor and campaigner from Scotland, has now organised a separate event to be held in Blackpool. Scheduled for Monday, July 27, the vigil will see Blackpool Tower illuminated in blue, reports Lancs Live.
Mr Sharp said: “We are all going to make sure we do Preston justice with the best vigil we can do, with a minute’s silence and a piper playing.
“The lights on Blackpool Tower are going to be lit in blue and everyone is going to march from the vigil in St Johns Square down to the beach front with the piper leading us.
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“We have a special banner to display from the people of Blackpool. Everyone is welcome to join us from 7pm. Please bring a teddy or a candle.”
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