LITTLE Shannon Boam now has a chance to be able to read and write one day following a successful appeal by the Knutsford Guardian.

Thanks to a massive fundraising drive by readers and the wider community, the two-year-old from High Legh is set to have a life-changing operation.

Mum Julie and Shannon were having a consultation with Dr Christopher Liu, at Sussex Eye Hospital in Brighton as the Guardian went to press.

Shannon, of Rensherds Place, has an extremely rare condition called Peters Plus Syndrome which has made her virtually blind and she lost her right eye in 2008 through an infection.

Dr Liu is just one of a handful of experts who are able to perform a pioneering artificial cornea replacement procedure called keratoprosthesis.

Yesterday, Tuesday, the specialist confirmed that Shannon is eligible for the operation and it is hoped a date will be set before Christmas.

But the family has been warned there is no guarantee that it will be a success.

Shannon’s dad Simon said: “We want her to see her mum and dad and brothers and sisters for the first time.

“All she can see at the moment is shapes and shadows. There’s a chance it could fail, it’s a risk, but if it works she’ll be able to see.

“We’re worried because she only has one eye so only has one chance. We’ve got to make it work, it could make such a difference.

“If you close your eyes and then try and do something you soon realise what it’s like for Shannon.

“It’s the simple things – we want to show her books and pictures but she doesn’t know what they are.”

Supporters have raised £24,310. The original fundraising goal was £27,000 when Shannon’s family thought the procedure would have to be performed in America.

But because the operation will now take place in the UK it will cost £22,000 with the remaining money being saved for Shannon’s long term care.

Simon, 46, added: “We want to say a big thank you to everyone who’s helped. Shannon says thank you.

“It’s something we didn’t think would be possible. It’s amazing what you can do when you put your mind to something.

“Shannon doesn’t know what’s going on but she’s being brave.”

The campaign was given its final push by John McElroy, a grandfather from Birkenhead.

The 64-year-old completed the Hoylake 10k fun run – against the advice of his doctor – to raise almost £3,000 for Shannon.

John, a window cleaner, said: “With God’s will, we’ll give little Shannon a chance to see her family, cartoons, colours and flowers – what everyone takes for granted. That’s what it’s all about.”

The Guardian’s appeal has now finished but anyone who wants to contribute towards Shannon’s long term care can send cheques payable to Miss Shannon Jade Boam to Mr and Mrs Boam, 58 Rensherds Place, High Legh, Cheshire, WA16 6NG.

Alternatively, visit Santander, in Princess Street, and tell a member of staff you would like to contribute.