A much-loved seal who has never seen the world around him could be given the gift of sight, thanks to specialist cataract surgery. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, Cornwall, has launched an urgent fundraising appeal to help give Jarvis, one of its much-loved resident seals, the chance to see for the very first time. Jarvis was rescued in 2016 and has lived with cataracts in both eyes ever since. Now, specialist veterinary surgeons believe cataract surgery could give him the opportunity to experience sight for the first time in his life.

At almost a decade old, Jarvis has never seen the faces of the people who care for him, or the other seals he shares his home with. Despite this, his blindness has never stopped Jarvis from living life to the fullest. He is playful, cheeky and full of personality, and has learned to navigate his surroundings using his other senses. His expert care team have worked closely with him over the years, helping him thrive despite his sight loss.

"Jarvis has never let his blindness define him," said Clare Addyman, Animal Care Specialist and Jarvis´ primary carer - at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. "He is such a special character and has an incredible ability to adapt to the world around him. Everyone who meets Jarvis falls in love with him. The thought that he could one day see the faces of the people who care for him, or even see another seal for the first time, is incredibly exciting. We know there are no guarantees, but for the first time, there is a real possibility that we could give Jarvis the chance to experience sight." The proposed surgery is a complex specialist procedure. The cost of surgery, specialist veterinary care and rehabilitation is expected to be around £7,800 per eye, meaning the Sanctuary needs to raise approximately £15,600 if both eyes can be treated.

The Sanctuary is now appealing to the public to help raise the funds needed to give Jarvis this potentially life-changing opportunity. Every donation, no matter how large or small, will help bring Jarvis one step closer to potentially seeing his world for the first time. For those unable to donate, the Sanctuary is also asking supporters to help by sharing Jarvis´ story with friends, family and their communities and even their opticians! "This is about giving Jarvis an opportunity that most of us take completely for granted - the chance to see the world around him," added Clare, "We would love to be able to give him that chance, and with the support of our incredible community, we hope we can make it possible." To support Jarvis and help give him the chance to see for the first time, visit - GOFUNDME.