A SOMERSET man who probably will not live to see Christmas Day held a celebration party to raise money for charity.

A SOMERSET man who probably will not live to see Christmas Day held a celebration party to raise money for charity.

Terminally-ill cancer sufferer Alan Bailey, from Biddisham, raised more than £8,000 at his Celebration of Life party for Weston Hospicecare and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The 65-year-old held the party in Brean Leisure Park to meet with friends and relatives one last time and held auctions and asked for donations for the two worthy causes.

Alan, who runs the family business, Axe Vale Coaches, said: "It wasn't just a celebration of my life, it was a celebration of everyone's lives. Some people from my circles of friends, who hadn't seen each other in years, met and enjoyed catching up.

"The money is still coming in but we definitely raised £8,000. We had an absolutely amazing evening and more than 300 people turned up."

Alan 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.

But now his wife Jane, aged 62, says he isn't very well and will not be celebrating Christmas with the family.

She said: "The party was a real challenge for Alan but he managed to stay a few hours before getting tired and we are all really proud of him.

"I don't think he will make it to Christmas but we are a very positive family. We don't want to lose him but we don't want him to go on like he is now.

"Everyone was amazing at helping with organisation, especially my sister Judy.

"The family have received dozens of heartfelt cards, text messages and letters from friends supporting what the family is doing and congratulating them on hosting a 'fantastic' evening.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the two charities can send a cheque to the Bailey family made payable to Celebration of Life at Axe Vale Coaches, Biddisham, Axbridge, BS26 2RD.