A MARSHFIELD couple raised more than £260,000 for spinal injuries research after their son was paralysed by a rugby accident.

Rugby centre Paul-Andre Blundell, known as PA, was only 26 when he was paralysed from the chin down after he was injured making a tackle during a match in England. Tragically, he died five months later from a blood clot.

His parents, Rob and Gerrie, set up a charity - Trust PA - to raise vital funds for Spinal Research - another charity in its own right.

"Paul-Andre was the life and soul of the party, and he had everything going for him when this happened," said his father Rob, 67.

"People don't realise how often spinal injuries occur. Four people each day suffer serious spinal injuries and the average age of those affected is 19," he said.

Mr and Mrs Blundell set up Trust PA in July 2002, six months after Paul-Andre's death, and have so far raised £265,000 for Spinal Research work to be carried out.

Mr Blundell says the aim of the work at Trust PA is not just raising money, but raising awareness also.

"We try to alert people to spinal injuries," he said.

"The most common causes aren't sports like rugby, it's diving into swimming pools and trampolining."

Welsh actors Matthew Rhys and Ioan Gruffudd are the two patrons of Trust PA and mountaineer Chris Bonnington is President.

Mr and Mrs Blundell said that while in hospital, Paul-Andre, a Wales Youth rugby player, was motivated by information from Spinal Research into repair of damaged spinal cord.

"Research into injuries like his was the thing that kept PA Paul-Andre going. It was what he was fighting for," said Mr Blundell.

Up and coming events Trust PA are involved in include, the Bath Half-Marathon, a golf tournament, rugby sevens and a soiree, for more information on these events, or donation details visit: www.trustpa.com or call 01633 682737.