AN EX-BANK robber is selling a “master forgery” to raise money for a terminally ill man.

Steve Tully, from Brighton, was a one-time “pupil” of gangster Reggie Kray, who he met while they were both in Parkhurst prison.

Mr Tully later changed his ways and became a reformed character.

Now he is helping the family of fellow Brightonian Michael McCracken, 73, who has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

Mr McCracken is in Thailand and his daughter Christelle has launched a fundraising effort to give him end-of-life care.

Mr Tully has teamed up with master forger David Henty to help raise funds for former antiques salesman Mr McCracken.

He is inviting people to bid for a Lowry replica painted by Mr Henty, who has 30 years’ experience producing near original copies. Some of his replicas sell for £5,000.

Mr Tully said: “ I’m a very close friend of Christelle and I have come to help. We are looking for bids upwards of £2,000. It will come with paints and a paintbrush which were used on the set of [the film] Mrs Lowry And Son.”

Mr McCracken, who once-owned a shop in Upper North Street, has been diagnosed with lung cancer in Thailand and is unable to fly home.

His daughter told The Argus: “He is one of the real old characters in Brighton and a lot of people know him.

“He doesn’t have health insurance and is basically out there with no money.

“He had the gift of the gab but he can hardly talk.

“He is always telling jokes, the first one on the dance floor and he has been an entertainer all his life

“A lot of people relied on him for help but he is too proud to ask for help himself.

“That’s why I’ve set this up to see if there’s any type of support people can give.”

The fundraiser, which can be found by searching his name on justgiving.com, has raised £1,610.

Mr McCracken used to fundraise for the needy in Brighton and helped St Mary Magdalen’s Church, which was opposite his shop.

Well-wishers have left messages and donations from £30 to £300.

One person said: “Hope this donation can help in some small way. Stay strong Micky. I’ll be thinking of you.”

To bid for the painting, ring The Argus on 01273 021384.