Updated, adds video - PN deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami this evening pledged to give all his energy to the country and his party once he gets over his battle with cancer.

"Once this is over, I vow to focus all my energy for my party and my country," he said, to applause.

Dr Fenech Adami was addressing the first in a series of PN events on the granaries celebrating Maltese independence. He has just completed intensive therapy consisting of 25 sessions in a London hospital and starts a new session next month.

Dr Fenech Adami was welcomed with extended applause from party supporters.

In his first public appearance since being diagnosed with cancer earlier this summer, Dr Fenech Adami thanked his family, as well as all those around him who had supported him throughout his ongoing struggle.

"All the prayers that were said, and all the well wishers, helped me through this ordeal," he said, to yet another rapture of applause.

He appeared to have been aback by the warm welcome, which included party leader Simon Busutill who gave Dr Fenech Adami a two handed handshake prompting cheers from the crowd,

President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami also featured in the festivities. Speaking in a pre-recorded video, the former president said, Malta had gained a voice through independence.

His son meanwhile, said that he had first asked why he had contracted cancer. He now, however, believed the better question to ask, is 'why not me?'.

'So many have gone through what I am experiencing. I want to give them all my support,' he said.

My fight against cancer - http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20140727/local/beppe-fenech-adami-my-fight-against-cancer.529333