A WELL-KNOWN Somerset man who raised thousands of pounds for worthy causes has died. Alan Bailey, aged 65, from Biddisham, died at the family home on November 30, just weeks after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

A WELL-KNOWN Somerset man who raised thousands of pounds for worthy causes has died.

Alan Bailey, aged 65, from Biddisham, died at the family home on November 30, just weeks after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The Axe Vale Coaches owner held a Celebration of Life party in Brean last month and raised more than £8,000 for Weston Hospicecare and Macmillan Cancer Support.

His wife Jane said: "We would like to thank family and friends for supporting us in the Celebration of Life party. It was the most fantastic night.

"Alan wanted to hold the party after been diagnosed with cancer in September to see and say goodbye to all his friends, as well as raising money for the two charities.

"Everyone rallied round and made it a very special night."

During the event Alan met with old friends and held an auction and asked for donations to the two charities.

The family man was diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer at the end of August and doctors told him he only had around three to six months to live.

He leaves behind his wife Jane, aged 62, and his two sons Colin and John. A funeral service will be held at Weston Crematorium in Ebdon Road tomorrow (Fri) at 11am. Jane has asked for family flowers only but anyone wishing to make a donation in Alan's name can send one via Keith Britain and Sons Funeral Directors in High Street, Yatton.

Jane added: "After the Celebration of Life party we were hoping to have a fairly quiet funeral, but Alan had so many friends in the area I doubt that is going to happen.

"The party was a real challenge but Alan managed to stay a few hours before getting tired and we were all really proud of him.