Paws & Pedal: Help Us Cross Africa For Burns Survivors

A year ago, I was in a coma. Now I’m riding across Africa on an electric trike… with a dog. My name is Leigh, and after surviving a life-altering accident in 2024 that left me with 40% burns and a long road of recovery, I made a promise to myself: If I got a second chance, I’d do something that mattered. This journey is that promise brought to life. ⸻ The Mission: Paws & Pedal Powered by Jorvik Tricycles of York In July 2025, I’ll set off from Cumbria, England, riding an electric trike 12,000 miles to Cape Town, South Africa, accompanied by Taco, my four-legged co-pilot, in her custom cockpit. This will be the first documented overland e-trike expedition across Africa with a dog. But it’s not about records — it’s about healing, storytelling, advocacy, and connection. ⸻ Our Journey Begins Here — In the UK Before crossing continents, we’re preparing our bodies and gear with two incredible UK-based challenges: 

1. The Coast-to-Coast Ride from Workington to Newcastle’s RVI Hospital, where part of my burns recovery has taken place — an emotional and symbolic milestone. 

2. Then we’ll circumnavigate the entire UK coastline by trike — a demanding journey of up to 7,723 miles (12,429 km), making it one of the longest continuous island coastlines in Europe. From towering Scottish cliffs to quiet Welsh fishing villages, we’ll test the trike, ourselves, and our message — all before leaving British soil. This preparation ride isn’t just training — it’s an expedition in its own right, raising awareness, building community, and spotlighting UK-based burns charities along the way. Who We’re Riding For We’re riding for everyone who survived, but still suffers. We’re doing this in support of UK burns charities and to spark on-the-ground burns advocacy throughout Africa. Across the African continent, only 10% of the population has access to safe plastic or reconstructive surgery. Many suffer in silence, without resources or recognition. We want to change that — by raising awareness, listening to lived experience, and bringing those stories to you through film, photography, and voice. Why We Need You We’re doing this independently — no crew, no backup, no production team. We’ll be camping, charging where we can, and telling the story as raw and real as it deserves to be. Your donation to this GoFundMe helps fuel both the mission and the cause: • Up to 1/3 helps cover essential on-the-road survival costs (repairs, visa fees, Taco’s health needs, and emergencies) • 2/3 goes directly toward initiatives we support throughout the UK and Africa • As the journey grows, we’ll be launching country-specific campaigns, charity spotlights, and donation drives region by region This GoFundMe isn’t a one-off. It’s our long-term charity pot, built with transparency and trust. We’ll keep you updated with: ✅ How funds are used ✅ How far we’ve come ✅ What your support has made possible ⸻ How You Can Help 

1. Donate what you can — every single mile is powered by kindness 

2. Share the campaign — help us reach dog lovers, burn survivors, adventurers, and everyday heroes 

 3. Follow the journey Instagram: @_paws_and_pedal YouTube: Paws and Pedal ⸻ This is Burns Without Borders. Not just a ride — a story of survival, solidarity, and giving back. And with your help, it’s just getting started. With gratitude, Leigh (& Taco)