Paul Robinson, CEO of Release International, has been training to carry a cross up Scafell Pike in solidarity with the persecuted church.

The Light Walk in June will see Robinson carry the heavy wooden cross through the night, finishing at dawn. He will be joined by a group of volunteers, who are calling on UK believers to pray for Christians around the world who cannot practice their faith freely.

Scaling the 978-metre mountain takes approximately three to four hours.

“We will carry this heavy cross through the night, standing in solidarity with persecuted Christians who endure the harshest trials,” said Robinson.

The challenge was inspired by Hebrews 13:3: "Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."

Robinson said he anticipates a "real challenge". 

“I’ve seen and held the cross we will be carrying, and it’s quite heavy...But that’s the point! It will be, I believe, a powerful way of identifying with those who face the far greater challenges of persecution for Christ and the gospel.”

At sunrise, the team will raise the cross at the summit, before praying and worshipping together. 

"We will proclaim that the light of Jesus cannot be overcome,” said Robinson. “When the cross is raised at the top of the mountain, we will raise our voices in prayer and worship, uniting in fellowship with our brothers and sisters whose lives continue to shine the light of Jesus into the darkest parts of the world.”