Charles Bronson sends Ben a surprise donation

Ben Baddeley, who suffers cerebral palsy and had his funding pulled for an operation to help him walk and for after care by government at the 11th hour, turned 12 last week.

Bronson donated £510 to the youngster's fundraising and awareness appeal after a piece of his artwork was sold.

Ben's story is believed to have struck a nerve with Bronson, aged 63, who many consider to be Britain's most violent prisoner.

The former bare-knuckle boxer, who has convictions for armed robbery, wounding, wounding with intent, criminal damage, grievous bodily harm, false imprisonment, blackmail and threatening to kill, creates and sells artwork and writes.

Treatment for Ben at Privilege Health Clinic in Compton Road, Wolverhampton, and H20 Physio in Wombourne, as well as travel costs, is leaving the family with a bill of around £2,000 a month.

A message from Bronson on Ben's Go Fund Me page said: "From The Charles Salvador Art Foundation, please accept this charity donation and we wish you the best of luck Ben. God Bless, Charlie."

At present, the fundraising total sits at £20,000, but it is constantly being chipped away at as the family pay for Ben's treatment and travel.

Ben's mother Amy said: "I didn't know who Charles Bronson was, I had to Google him. A lady representing his charity got in touch and said that he had seen articles about Ben in the newspaper and wanted to help. His painting was sold on eBay and the money was donated.

"He sent Ben a picture as well and a letter saying how brave he thought he was and that he hopes he keeps getting better. It was a really nice letter, he's a very talented man. Apparently he does a lot of charity work but he's very picky about who he helps.

"Ben's written back to him to say thank you, I don't know if he'll get another back. When I told him who he was, Ben was a bit like 'What? How can a man that's been so naughty be so nice?'"

The family are set for a meeting with the director of commissioning CCG at the University Hospital of the North Midlands on June 25 for crunch talks with bosses on why Ben's funding was pulled.

Ben was in the headlines last month when he visited Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street, only to be snubbed on arrival after a meeting had been pre-arranged.

The pair had previously exchanged a number of letters, as Ben and his family, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, sought answers as to why his funding was cut.

He had undergone two years of preparation for the life-changing spinal operation, which was due to take place in February 2014, but his parents received a letter just days before he was set to go under the knife, saying the £24,000 operation would not be paid for.

He had to wait until July of that year after fundraising efforts helped fund the treatment.

His mother Amy said: "It was Ben's 12th birthday last Thursday and on the Friday afternoon, Ben received a big birthday present today delivered by courier.

"We had an email about a week a go, from a gentleman who follows Ben's story.

"He had noticed a post that on Ben's page about his birthday and he emailed asking how Ben was.

He asked what Ben had on his birthday wish list and said to say happy birthday to Ben.

"We never thought anything of it because people get in touch all the time but a package came via courier with Ben's name on it. A brand new lap top, with birthday wishes attached to the box.

"We sent a photo of Ben with it and massive thanks. The gentleman has said he will continue to follow Ben's progress."

Bronson, who now goes by the name of Charles Salvador in tribute to Salvador Dali, is regarded as Britain's most violent inmate.

He was first jailed in 1974 for armed robbery and he also He scarred for life a prisoner who informed officers of his plan to escape from Wandsworth jail in the late 70s. He tried to strangle child sex murderer John White in 1978 at Rampton Secure Unit, but White survived the ordeal.