Wayne's crucifix walk is "God's word in action"

Wayne Hayhurst (49 is walking 170 miles with the pine cross, which is 13ft long and weighs around 100kg.

He is tackling the almighty task to raise cash for Christian Aid, Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and the PDSA.

Having set off  last Tuesday arch 15, he plans to reach Hyde Park’s Preacher’s Corner by tomorrow, Good Friday.

Wayne, of Bank View in Whiston, said: “God has told me to do this walk. I am an ex-soldier and I have a strong faith in the Lord.

“I’m not trying to make a name for myself — this is about my faith. I’m confident that the Lord will get me to the end.”

He added: “Everyone seems to think I will put a wheel on the cross, but I won’t be doing that. Christ didn’t have a wheel on his cross.”

Wayne previously served with the Royal Corps of Transport.

He is a parishioner at Whiston Parish Church St Mary Magdalene — last year he carried an oak cross from there to Rotherham town centre.

“Being ex-army, I know something about marching and carrying weight,” he said, “but this will be one step harder.

“I’m hoping to raise more money than last year. I’ve been to Bluebell Wood and nothing prepares you for what you see there.

“I hope people will give what they can to help those children.”

Wayne is being accompanied on the journey by Pip, his Jack Russell terrier.