Paul-André Blundell, affectionately known as P-A was born and raised in Whitchurch, Cardiff. P-A demonstrated a remarkable talent for sports from an early age. He attended Ysgol Melin Gruffydd along with lifelong friend Matthew Rhys and Ioan Grufuff and Llandaff Cathedral School, where he captained the Colts Rugby Team. P-A later attended Old Swinford Hospital in Stourbridge, excelling in athletics, rugby, running, and golf, and winning Victor Ludorum multiple times. He represented his school in rugby and cricket internationally and was a member of the Welsh Youth U19’s squad.
At the University of Wales College Cardiff (UWIC), P-A was recognized for his boxing talent, winning The Most Promising Newcomer Trophy. After a shoulder injury, he switched to touch rugby and played on the winning British Champions Touch Rugby side. Post-graduation, P-A moved to Bath, becoming a successful Community Specialist with Pharmacia (now Pfizer). He joined Keynsham RFC and contributed significantly as a player and coach. P-A also ventured into motorsport, racing with the Bristol Car Club and 750 Motor Club.
Donate to P-A’s fund Fundraise for P-A’s fund
In September 2001, P-A suffered a severe neck injury during a rugby match, resulting in complete paralysis from the chin down. Tragically, after making good progress in the spinal rehab unit, five and a half months later he died suddenly and unexpectedly from a blood clot, (pulmonary embolism) aged just 26yrs.
P-A’s courage and optimism post-injury were inspirational. He had accepted the challenge to progress positively and make the best of his life and new paralysed circumstances. Learning about the current scientific progress inspired him to want to be involved in future Clinical Trials to repair paralysis. His motivation was to tour the UK and lecture on spinal cord injury its implications and to share the latest scientific progress and clinical developments.
Donate to P-A's fundAbout Trust P-A charity
Rob and Gerri, P-A’s devoted parents, continued his legacy by founding Trust PA in 2002, a charity dedicated to funding research to end paralysis. The name of the charity was chosen as one of P-A's friends commented that “one could always Trust P-A”.
Over the years Trust P-A has become a well-known charity in Wales and has raised over £500,000 to support Spinal Research. As well as hosting many successful fundraising events in the community Trust P-A secured the support of some very high-profile names including Sir Christian Bonnington, and personal friends of P-A Matthew Rhys, Ioan Gruffudd and Neil Jackson.
"Paul-Andre Blundell was always my good friend since childhood. To see him paralysed during the rugby accident he sustained in 2001, totally dependent even months later and then his death from an embolism, was utterly devastating. I'm still keen to help support the vital work to provide treatments to restore breathing, sensation and function, to benefit others like P-A, who suffer a high level lifechanging spinal cord injury. I am also very happy to continue to support this cause as a Patron of the new P-A’s Legacy Fund now within Spinal Research"
Matt Rhys, Actor and friend of P-A
As well as tirelessly working to raise vital funds for research the charity also promoted rugby safety through it's Eyes Up initiative. The Eyes Up campaign as initiated in the UK by Trust P-A, promotes; 'EYES UP' Safe Play Rugby - by encouraging players to keep their Eyes Up looking at the ball carrier to keep the head in the correct position. This has been proven to reduce the risk of spinal cord injuries, 55-60% of rugby injuries result from the rugby tackle, plus 72% of concussion injuries.
This campaign has been adopted and acknowledged by World Rugby to educate coaches, trainers and all players from 'Day One' in the game of rugby, about the importance of keeping alert to potential gameplay dangers.
Trust PA advocates for the widespread adoption of "Eyes Up" Safe Play Rugby training, particularly for schoolboy and youth rugby, to prevent serious back, neck and spinal cord injuries.
You can find out more about Trust P-A Charity and their history here and in the links below.
