Story of the late Baltimore Batman inspires Leeds man to become real life Captain America

Pedro Machado with his daughter Sophia, from Stanningley. Picture by Tony Johnson.

Pedro Machado, a three-time world line dancing champion who grew up in Maryland, moved to England in 2001 before settling in West Yorkshire after meeting his ex-wife in Leeds and having his 17-month-old daughter Sophia.

The 45-year-old, who also runs a portable dancefloor company, claims to have spent thousands on his custom made Captain America outfit and a full Iron Man suit he takes with him on visits.

Having raised more than £2,300 through crowdfunding, Stanningley resident Pedro hopes to emulate the Baltimore Batman – American millionaire Lenny B Robinson who dressed up as Batman and visited children in hospitals in Maryland before he died in a car accident in August.

“He was an inspiration – a multimillionaire and the real life Bruce Wayne. I saw his story, loved it and shared it,” Pedro said. “When I heard that the Baltimore Batman passed away I thought ‘I own a Captain America chopper and it’s already red, white and blue’ – I wanted to do something for Lenny, I wanted to be Captain America and do something great.”

Since launching his Superheroes4kids campaign in October, Pedro has visited youngsters in Turkey, London and Leeds, and he has plans for visits as far afield as Malaysia, Spain and Singapore.

Pedro, who does not take any proceeds from his superhero deeds, said: “The attention I’m getting is amazing and humbling. I want to give this out to people and the little kids.

“It’s about giving them a bit of hope and sunshine while they are in hospital – it’s nice to be able to take away that pain and help them escape reality for whatever time I can.”

Pedro Machado driving through Leeds. Picture by Tony Johnson.

Pedro is seeking sponsors, hopes to set up his own ‘Batcave’ in Leeds and meet Lenny B Robinson’s family in the near future. Visit superheroes4kids.org or gofundme.com/CaptainAmerica4Kid for information.