Shaun leach and his sheepdog, Jemma. (Photo: Provided)
A total of 2,600 km of dust, sun, mountains, enduring and continuing.
This awaits Shaun Leach, a keen cyclist from Potchefstroom. And all this in aid of fundraising for the four-legged residents of Paws Haven, an animal protection organization in Potchefstroom.
The organization is close to Shaun’s heart, which is why he launched the All 4 Paws project.
“My sheepdog, Jemma, often escaped in her younger days, then Paws Haven returned her to me safely every time,” says Shaun. “Jemma also contracted cat flu a while ago, and Paws Haven did everything in their power to nurse her back to health. They even did a blood transfusion. She was back on her feet within a few days.”
Shaun will tackle the entire distance on his bike without a support vehicle. He will leave on March 21 at the Beitbrug border post between South Africa and Zimbabwe, and plans to arrive in Blouberg in the Western Cape on April 1.
“The idea is to drive from the northernmost point in South Africa to the southernmost point,” says Shaun. “The first few days are going to be the hardest. It certainly doesn’t get easier, but your body adapts and finds a way to function sustainably.”
He will have to cover an average of 220 km daily, which means that he will have to be on the road between 8 and 12 hours every day.
(Photo: Provided)
“It’s actually a miracle that your body can withstand everything. When you’re out there in the middle of nowhere, you can’t give up. You have to drive on to the next town. The goal of my project serves as motivation for me when the going gets tough. I keep the animals of Paws Haven in mind, then I pedal a little harder.”
Shaun says he wants no credit or fame for All 4 Paws and that all credit goes to God. The focus must also be on needy animals.
“I would like to see Paws Haven receive a lot of support and donations through the project. Winter is around the corner, and the animals need food and blankets,” says Shaun. “I would also like to see that the donations do not end with the project, but that people will continue to support Paws Haven.”
Supporters will be able to follow the ride on the Facebook page of Shaun’s bike shop, Le Tour Cycles, as well as Paws Haven’s Facebook page and a WhatsApp group that will be established closer to the time. Each overnight stop and all departure points will also be shared, so interested cyclists can accompany Shaun on parts of his route.
(Photo: Provided)
Send an email to (email protected) for details on how to get involved.