Murdered Preston Davey's dad tells of anguish at vigil for son

The father of Preston Davey, a 13-month-old boy who was tragically murdered, attended a candlelit vigil held in memory of his son on what would have been Preston’s fourth birthday. Gary Nolan spoke of the ordeal his son endured, describing it as “four months of terror at the hands of a monster.” The vigil brought together family members, friends, and supporters in Preston’s Flag Market to honor his short life.

Preston died in July 2023, a victim of abuse at the hands of his adoptive father, Jamie Varley, a 37-year-old teacher from Blackpool, Lancashire. Varley’s partner, John McGowan-Fazakerley, aged 32, was also found guilty of sexual assault, child cruelty, and allowing Preston’s death. Both men are scheduled to be sentenced imminently. As mourners gathered, Nolan expressed his deep sorrow and anger, stating, “My son should be alive today on his birthday and not dead.”

Preston was born in June 2022 and soon after was taken into care by Oldham Council. His biological mother, Sarah Davey, now 42, had a troubled past, having been imprisoned as a teenager for the murder of an elderly woman. Preston was initially placed with foster parents, where he lived for the first ten months of his life. In April 2023, Varley and McGowan-Fazakerley were approved to adopt him, and he moved into their home in Blackpool shortly thereafter.

In the months prior to his death, Preston was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital on three separate occasions, according to court proceedings. At the vigil, participants lit candles while a bagpiper performed, followed by a minute of silence. The event’s organizer, Niamh Cardwell-Clarke, emphasized the importance of remembering Preston for “the beautiful little boy he was,” rather than the tragic circumstances of his early life. Many people also honored Preston by lighting candles at home and leaving flowers and teddy bears near the Cenotaph in his memory

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