Wayne's crucifix walk reaches York

Wayne Hayhurst (50) dragged the 15ft white cross up the giant hill as part of his mission to take the crucifix to some of the UK’s highest points.

Dozens of tourists stared in disbelief as Wayne — who had dragged the cross 55 miles from his home in Whiston — heaved the 14-stone crucifix up the steep slope. 

Accompanied by his faithful Jack Russell, Pip, the born-again Christian planted his cross  — almost twice the weight of a baby giraffe — on top of the hill as two bewildered English Heritage officials scurried over to find out what was going on.

Wayne said “The Lord said to take the cross on high. He gives me the strength of ten men. This is for humanity, Christianity and charity.”

Wayne is raising money for the Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice after being given “a direction by God”.

He apologised to the officers for “stepping on your property”, but added: “The Lord did lead me this way.”

An official helped him carry the crucifix down the slope’s 55 steps where tourists, including giggling schoolchildren, gathered to take photos.

Wayne set off from his parish church, St Mary Magdalene’s in Whiston, on Monday and reached York on Tuesday.

His shoulders and feet have become badly blistered and bruised and his limited provisions are carried in two small sacks tied to a string along with a Lurpak butter tray, which serves as a water bowl for his beloved pet.

The intrepid bachelor, who admitted to having taken out a few traffic lights with the huge cross, has slept in guest houses, a pub cellar in Wakefield, an outside toilet at the back of a building site and a disused petrol station. 

He said he had the odd snack in cafes but on some days he has tramped the streets for hours without a bite to eat.

The ex-squaddie, who spent eight years in the army but is currently unemployed after spells as a scrapyard worker and industrial cleaner, got a carpenter friend to make the cross, etched into which are the words “In Rex Ri”, which translates as “Jesus, King of the Jews”.

He said some motorists had given him short lifts while others have paid for hotel rooms, given donations and helped him carry the cross. 

One police patrol unit stopped their car and took photos to put on Facebook, invoking Monty Python’s Life of Bryan as they told Wayne: “He’s not the Messiah — he’s a very naughty boy.”

Wayne attracted more crowds as he bore his cross through York’s shopping streets before heading off to Thirsk as he trudged on to towards the holy island in Northumberland.

Despite the obvious perils of a journey along narrow pavements, roadside verges and bustling traffic, Wayne said he had no fear and will reach the holy land “even if I have to walk 40 days and nights”.

It’s not Wayne’s first intrepid trek, as the Advertiser told of his gruelling walk to London — complete with his crucifix — in March.

- To sponsor Wayne’s walk, go to the MyDonate fundraising website and search Wayne Hayhurst.