David Train, former Olympic Canoe Coach, is urging us all to ‘Paddle for Life'.  He has travelled around the world with 3 paddles, which he encourages senior political figures to sign as a show of support in the fight against climate change.  He has gathered support in China and the USA as well as securing the signatures of Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Rhodri Morgan and many other senior politicians.

Mr Train, from Fladbury, Worcestershire, has been making ‘Paddles for Life' for 15 years.  The idea first grew with the help of the village school, where the first paddles were made and signed in support of stopping global warming.  Since then he has travelled extensively lobbying political leaders all over the world.

Most recently David has secured signatures from The Rt Revd Dr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.  The Church of England is committed to climate change and takes and urges action on living a greener life to preserve God's creation.

Mr Train said, ‘I was delighted to meet the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was very interested in what we in Worcestershire are doing with the Paddles for Life. The church is a great advocate of a greener lifestyle and on the day of my visit the Archbishop was leading an interfaith conference on sustainable living. It was great to get the signatures and support of the Archbishop and Bishop John."

Bishop John said  ‘I was very pleased to add my signature to those of senior politicians and others who are all supporting David's imaginative initiative in the fight against climate change.  Climate change is probably the most important issue facing our generation and the Church of England is committed to tackling it.'