Long-distance swimmer makes trunk call to Blair

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2006

LONDON (AFP) — A lawyer trying to become the first person to swim the full length of Britain's famous River Thames waded ashore in London to call on Prime Minister Tony Blair to tackle climate change.

Lewis Pugh, who was the first person to complete long-distance swims in all five world oceans, left the murky river at Westminster to deliver a personal letter to Blair, urging him to reduce carbon emissions by 20 percent by 2010.

Wearing skimpy swimming trunks and a swim hat, Pugh began his 203-mile (327-kilometre) watery trek on July 17 to draw attention to a climate change campaign by international conservation group WWF. He hopes to finish by Sunday.

Pugh met Blair for about five minutes when he delivered the letter, although he did cover up for the meeting...