Blackpool Tower will be lit up in blue on July 27 in memory of Preston Davey – a 13-month-old boy who was sexually abused and murdered by the man who was in the process of adopting him.
The request came from Preston’s birth mother, Sarah Davey, and was confirmed by a spokesperson for Blackpool Tourism, who told LancsLive: “I can confirm that the Tower will be lit in blue on Monday 27 July.”
“Blackpool Tower will be lit blue on July 27 in memory of Preston Davey, murdered by his adoptive father.”
Preston was just 13 months old when he was killed by Jamie Varley, who together with his then partner John McGowan-Fazakerley was seeking to adopt the toddler. The couple had been approved as prospective adopters in March 2023, and Preston was placed with them shortly after.
What followed, a trial at Preston Crown Court lasting more than seven weeks, was described by prosecutors as among the most shocking they had encountered. Jurors heard that Preston endured a “sustained campaign of abuse” in the final months of his life – physical, emotional and sexual. A post-mortem examination found approximately 40 injuries on his tiny body.
Varley was convicted of murder, sexual offences, causing grievous bodily harm, cruelty and indecent image offences, and received a whole life order. McGowan-Fazakerley was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child, cruelty and sexual assault, and jailed for 25 years.
The case prompted England’s Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, to brand Preston’s death “a failure of the state and the safeguarding system”. She said a safeguarding review must establish “whether we could have prevented Preston’s murder”. The Government has pledged that “anyone responsible for negligence faces consequences”.
A local child safeguarding practice review (LCSPR), launched by Oldham Council, will examine whether missed opportunities could have identified issues with Preston’s care while he was alive. Such reviews consider the work of all agencies involved – police, health, social care and education – after a child’s death where abuse or neglect are suspected.
Meanwhile, the home Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley moved into just 22 days after Preston died has been put on the market. The property, described in its listing as an “immaculate detached property with stunning countryside views” and “an ideal opportunity for families”, is due to be sold at an online auction closing on July 31. Prospective buyers are warned: “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.”
On July 27, Blackpool Tower will shine blue – a tribute from a mother who lost her son to the very system meant to protect him.