Charles Bronson donates jail cell paintings to mother of five suffering from cancer
BRITAIN'S most notorious prisoner Charles Bronson has created artwork from his cell for a Sunderland grandmother battling breast cancer.
Charles Bronson has created artwork from his cell for a woman suffering from cancer
Bronson, who now goes by the name Charles Salvador, is widely known for being the country's most violent inmate.
He has spent almost 40 years in solitary confinement in prison and is a former inmate at Durham's HMP Frankland.
Valerie Venner, who is fighting cancer for the third time in three years, told her husband Victor she would like a picture from the high-security prisoner.
Bemused by the bizarre request, Mr Venner asked his artist pal Andy Parkin, who is doing his university dissertation on Bronson, if he could help. To the couple's amazement, two signed pieces of artwork from the hard man soon arrived on their doorstep.
Mother-of-five Mrs Venner, who recently finished her last round of chemotherapy, said: "I was over the moon, couldn't believe it.
"I was really down during the treatment and like everyone you're always thinking the worst. I just thought I'd like something from Charles Bronson as I know he does a lot for charity. I was amazed he sent it through to us."
Mrs Venner, who admits to being a big fan of the convict, said that Bronson's words of support are motivating her as she continues her recovery.
Valerie Venner is fighting cancer for the third time in three years
I was over the moon, couldn't believe it
The 54-year-old said: "He wrote a little message saying I won't be needing to use any shampoo for a while, which I laughed at.
"It has really helped give me a lift after the last couple of years. It shows he has got a good heart after all."
Mr Venner, 56, and his wife are now planning to frame the pictures and hang them on the wall at their Ford Estate home.
Mrs Venner admits to being a big fan of the convict
Paula Williamson reveals she wants a baby with Charles Bronson
Bronson was first jailed in 1974 for armed robbery and has spent much of his life behind bars.
During his time in Frankland, he took the deputy governor hostage. Bronson also spent time at HMP Durham.
Today, the notorious prisoner spends 22 hours a day locked up where he creates thousands of paintings, doodles, caricatures and pastels