Pals rally round for Whitesnake star

Whitesnake guitarist Mel Galley celebrated his 60th birthday against the odds, surrounded by celebrities, friends and family.

The rock legend from Cannock revealed last month that he only has a short time to live after being diagnosed with cancer.

Friends were planning to bring forward his birthday celebrations after hearing the devastating news, but Mel was determined to make it to the landmark occasion. Former Deep Purple star Glenn Hughes flew over from his Los Angeles home to celebrate the birthday of his former bandmate at The Park Gate Inn, in Cannock Wood.

Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans and Wolverhampton-born TV presenter Suzi Perry also joined in the celebrations.

Mel said today: "I was determined to make it to my birthday.

"Although there have been some low points since I was diagnosed and there were times I thought I wouldn't make it, I was determined to get there. Just to see the people who showed up was wonderful. I have said my goodbyes to people but this was just to celebrate my birthday with my close friends and family."

Mel revealed his illness just a month before he was due to take to the stage again with a new band after being away from the spotlight.

Last year he and an ex-policeman friend confronted an impostor who had spent 10 years impersonating him.