A MUCH-loved Redditch man - best known to Advertiser readers for helping the plight of a Sri Lankan woman left homeless by the Asian tsunami disaster - has died aged 84.

Jim Blundell, of Rowan Road, Batchley died on October 3 after becoming ill while visiting his daughter, Judith, in Ireland.

Over the last two years, Mr and Mrs Blundell have featured regularly in the Advertiser for their work in helping 27-year-old Shiromi Gamage rebuild her life after the 2003 tsunami.

The couple fostered Shiromi for nine months in 1990 when she had plastic surgery on burns to her hands at a now closed Tardebigge hospital.

Mr Blundell (pictured right) himself sustained extensive burns after a car bomb exploded when he was serving in Jerusalem during the Second World War.

When he returned from the war, the Feckenham-born man met Redditch girl Jill, who he married at Alcester register office.

They set up home in Batchley and, as well as having five children of their own, adopted scores of others, including Shiromi. They also have 10 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Mr Blundell worked as an engineer at Hymatic in Redditch and was also a lecturer at Redditch college.

"He was known and well-liked by a good many people," said Mrs Blundell.

An active member of the Royal British Legion Club in Easemore Road, Mr Blundell was heavily involved in the annual Poppy Appeal. He was also a keen fisherman.

"He was a true gentleman," she added.

A funeral service was held at St Philip's Church in Webheath and at Redditch Crematorium on Friday.

"I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who came to the funeral, especially the British Legion," said Mrs Blundell.