Blackpool vigil for murdered baby Preston Davey - everything you need to know including times and route

The people of Blackpool will come together tomorrow evening (Mon) for a poignant vigil in memory of murdered baby Preston Davey.

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 in St John’s Square is being held on the third anniversary of Preston’s death and among the organisers is child abuse campaigner Dave Sharp who says he has been overwhelmed by the advance response to the event.

Dave travelled from his home in Northampton to rally support for the vigil but said very few people needed persuading of its value.

“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.

Jim McMillan said of the Blackpool vigil: “We don’t want any mention of his killers, it’s not a protest, no hate, no politics - this is purely for remembering Preston.”

Vicar’s message

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 said: “As a local vicar here in Blackpool, I stand with people of all faiths and none in remembering Preston Davey and all victims of child abuse.

“At Monday's vigil, I will offer gentle prayers at the beginning and end of our commemorations for Preston.

“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.

“We will gather united in love and sympathy, with hearts full of compassion, on what will be a powerful and poignant evening in our town.”

Timings

Dave Sharp says the vigil is planned to start at 7pm and finish at 9pm and has outlined the features.

“Some of us will be on St John’s Square from 5pm and people are encouraged to drop off teddies, candles and flowers from then,” he said.

“Between 7 and 7.45, there will be one or two speakers and then up to 8pm, a piper will play as everyone comes forward to lay teddies, candles and flowers with the children at the front with their mothers.

“When that is done, Rev Charnock will say a few words and then introduce a minute’s silence.

“That will be followed by the piper and Rev Charnock leading everyone to the Blackpool Tower, where we will all gather and lay more teddies as the Tower lights up in blue in Preston’s memory.

“This is Blackpool’s opportunity to come together and send a message to Preston in Heaven -rest in peace, sweet child, we love you.”