A PADDLEBOARDING and yoga business on the Thames near Kingston is hosting a special Paddle for Peace event on Saturday in support of Ukrainian refugees.

Good Life Paddle Co. teaches yoga, paddleboarding and paddleboard yoga from its centre at the Tamesis Club in Trowlock Way, Teddington.

"I grew up in and around Teddington so this stretch of the river is my home and I've spent my life enjoying being on, in or near the water," said Leah Fraser, Sup and Yoga coach at Good Life Paddle Co.

"We are right on the Thames and it's a great spot to paddle from, whether out on the main river or enjoying the sheltered back waters," she added.

Paddle for Peace will raise money for Save the Children's Ukraine Appeal. The United Nations (UN) have announced that more than two million people - including one million children - have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion.

Save the Children's Ukraine Appeal aims to help 3.5 million vulnerable children and their families by delivering lifesaving aid and essential supplies including winter kits of clothing and blankets, cash and vouchers for basic supplies such as food, rent and medicines and offer access to educational and mental health support.

"Paddles for Peace are popping up across the Sup community around the UK, and I'm very excited to be able to host one for our local paddlers to show their support," said Leah.

The event is also open to kayaks, canoes and rowing boats and all attendees are encouraged to wear blue and yellow - the colours of the Ukrainian flag - in solidarity with the country.

Leah added: "Paddle outs are a tradition from the surfing world and are a wonderful way of bringing people together for a united cause in a wonderfully peaceful way."

Paddle for Peace will take place at 10am at Tamesis Club on Saturday, March 12. All attendees are asked to make a donation of £20 per person and can book a slot via https://www.goodlifepaddle.com/book-online or email [email protected].