A GREY seal pup which has been named after a famous actress, managed to meet her namesake on the very same day.

The seal pup was named 'Judi Dench’ and had been found dehydrated with several wounds on Milook Haven Beach, Widemouth Bay.

Falmouth Packet: 'Judi Dench' was rescued from Milook Haven Beach in Widemouth Bay 'Judi Dench' was rescued from Milook Haven Beach in Widemouth Bay (Image: Cornish Seal Sanctuary)

However, once the pup had arrived at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, her namesake, James Bond and Mrs Brown actress Judi Dench was visiting the sanctuary with her family.

The sanctuary’s fundraising manager Leanne Attwood said: “It was like fate – it just so happened that as Dame Judi and her family explored the sanctuary, this pup was admitted to our seal hospital.

“With our actors and actresses naming theme this season, we knew that we just had to name her after Judi Dench who was already on our list of name ideas.”

Falmouth Packet: Dame Judi Dench was visiting the sanctuary with her family, and stopped by to meet her namesakeDame Judi Dench was visiting the sanctuary with her family, and stopped by to meet her namesake (Image: The Cornish Seal Sanctuary)While known for her roles in films including the likes of the James Bond franchise (1995 – 2015) and Mrs Brown (1997), Dame Judi is also a keen animal lover, with a historic soft spot for sanctuaries and wildlife centres including the Flicka Foundation in Penryn.

As previously reported in the Packet, Dame Judi was spotted shopping in Asda in Penryn, last month much to the delight of shoppers and staff. 

Despite being internationally recognisable, and widely considered one of Britain's greatest actresses – turning her hand to everything from Shakespeare on stage to sending herself up with Morecambe and Wise – the 88-year-old was happy to pose for pictures.

Falmouth Packet: Last month, Dame Judi also stopped for pictures whilst she was shopping in Asda, PenrynLast month, Dame Judi also stopped for pictures whilst she was shopping in Asda, Penryn (Image: TrewCare)Leanne added: “Judi was absolutely a delight and so gracious about the naming. She was so excited to be able to meet pup Judie and explore behind the scenes of our seal hospital.

“Our animal care team is now working hard to nurse the pup back to full health, with the hopes of successfully releasing her back to the wild as soon as possible.”

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While Judi the pup recovers in the hospital, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is fundraising to cover the costs for the many pups who will make it through the doors this season.

On average, it costs £2,000 to rehabilitate a seal pup to full health, not including any special surgeries or extended veterinary treatment needed.

To help support the sanctuary this winter, you can donate to the Pup Wish List Appeal, or find other ways to support the team here.

To find out more about the Cornish Seal Sanctuary and its mission, visit https://sealsanctuary.sealifetrust.org/en/