Tribute to Paul-André Blundell and His Parents' Advocacy
Hollywood actor Matthew Rhys has expressed profound admiration for the parents of his late school friend, Paul-André Blundell, stating there is "no one more deserving" of an MBE than Paul-André's father, Rob Blundell. Paul-André, a Welsh Under-19s rugby star and close friend of Rhys, tragically died at 26 after being paralysed in a rugby match and later succumbing to complications.
Paul-André was paralysed from the chin down following a tackle in 2001 and died unexpectedly five months later due to a blood clot in his lung. His parents, Rob and Gerri Blundell from Whitchurch, Cardiff, have since dedicated 25 years to raising awareness of spinal cord injuries and have raised over £600,000 to support research into treatment and recovery.
Rob Blundell Receives MBE for Services to Spinal Injury Awareness
Rob Blundell was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King's Birthday Honours list last week in recognition of his tireless efforts. Paul-André, affectionately known as P-A, was a passionate sportsman who represented Wales Under-19s in rugby.
Rhys and Paul-André’s friendship began at age five when they attended Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd and participated together in the local Scouts group. The two were known for being "always up to mischief".
Paul-André’s Sporting Life and Injury
Rob Blundell described his son as an "exceptional guy," popular and always smiling, who was willing to help others. Throughout school, Paul-André engaged in various sports including cricket, golf, rugby, and athletics.
"[P-A] was an exceptional guy," said Rob, 80. "Very popular, always smiling, would always help.
Through school he played all sorts of sports - cricket, gold, rugby. Not to mention athletics. You name it, he did it."
After graduating from the University of Wales College Cardiff, Paul-André moved to Bath and joined Keynsham RFC to compete in the England South West League One.
In September 2001, during a rugby match, Paul-André suffered a severe neck injury that resulted in complete paralysis from the chin down. Rob and Gerri devoted every day to supporting their son’s recovery in hospital, a period Rob described as a "hard, hard time."
Family's Response to Tragedy and Founding of Trust PA
Paul-André had been planning to support spinal injury research himself before his death from a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in his lung. The family was deeply affected by the loss.
"Everyone in the family was traumatised and horrified," said Rob.
"Losing a child is probably the worst thing a parent can do. Even now, it's as painful as ever, but you cope with it."
Following Paul-André’s death, Rob and Gerri established Trust PA, a charity that has raised more than £600,000 to increase awareness of spinal cord injuries and fund research into treatment and recovery.
Their Eyes Up campaign was adopted by the Welsh Rugby Union and Rugby Football Union and later incorporated into World Rugby guidance. The campaign has influenced player safety at all levels, particularly encouraging youth rugby players to protect themselves during tackles.
Matthew Rhys’ Connection and Support
Rhys visited Paul-André in hospital shortly before his passing and has since become a patron of Trust PA. Rob highlighted Rhys’s grounded nature and ongoing support, including hosting a charity ball in Cardiff with actor Ioan Gruffudd.
Speaking about Rob's MBE, Rhys said: "No one deserves this more. His and Gerri's tireless efforts have been as tenacious as they have been Herculean.
So incredibly happy to see Rob receive the recognition he so deserves."
Legacy and Future of Trust PA
According to the charity Spinal Research, someone in the UK becomes paralysed from a spinal cord injury every two hours. Rob and Gerri have partnered with Spinal Research to merge Trust PA into their work as they step back following Gerri’s stroke in February 2025.
This partnership will establish the P-A Blundell Legacy Fund for Spinal Research, which will fund three-year PhD studentships focused on spinal cord repair and restoration.
Louisa McGinn, chief executive of Spinal Research, praised Rob’s contributions, stating he "so richly deserves this honour."
Rob expressed satisfaction with their achievements but also a desire to have done more.
Rob said he was "very pleased with what we've done".
"I'd have loved to have doubled it, trippled it, quadrupled it," he said.
Rob described the news of his MBE as "totally unexpected but wonderful," noting that Gerri had been aware of the honour beforehand.
"I was really quite emotional," he said.
"The truth is there are just so many wonderful people who have helped and supported me over the years – not least my right-hand Gerri, who deserves this even more.
So, I will be accepting this outstanding honour not just for myself but on behalf of Gerri and everyone else who have been a part of this journey."
