LIGHT WALK CHALLENGE

Setting out at 12.30 am on Sunday June 14, 2026, Paul and the team will pause to pray along the route, identifying with many persecuted Christians who can only meet together under the cover of darkness. Then, as dawn breaks, they will raise the cross on the summit – a powerful reminder of Christ’s victory over the darkness, the hope that strengthens our persecuted brothers and sisters.

‘The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.’ (John 1:5.)

Preparations for the Light Walk Challenge are gathering pace. Paul Robinson was interviewed on national television station GB News to talk about the climb. You can read more about the story on their website or watch the interview on their X channel, links below:

Speaking to Premier Christian News, Paul said:

“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 … 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.”

Read the interview in full or sponsor Paul and his team by clicking the links below:

By supporting this challenge, you are helping Release International continue to serve persecuted believers, strengthen the church, and raise awareness among Christians in the UK of the cost many pay for following Jesus.

You can sponsor Paul’s climb through his Just Giving page. Every gift will go directly to support the ministry of Release International—VOICE of persecuted Christians — helping bring practical support, encouragement and hope to believers who are standing firm for Christ under pressure. Click on the link below to open a new page:

After training in Cumbria and trekking to Caw in the Duddon Valley Helen, said “Very blessed. Apart from aching legs, bursting lungs and thumping heart, the training is going well! I hope everyone else is making steady progress. Praying for the team.”[Helen sent a panoramic video with this message which was a stunning view from Caw, this is a still from the video]

“Harry leapt up Scafell Pike like a spring lamb!”[Nick B., COO at  Release International, speaking about his 14 year old son Harry after their practice climb ready for the challenge]

“My favourite training hill already has a cross at the top of it! Jensen and I did it 6 times today.”[Nick G., walking with his dog on Kemsing Down]

“My ‘training’ is coming along nicely…”[Jon G., walking at the golf course]

Paul Robinson said of fellow Light Walk Challenger, Diamen E., (left) “I know Diamen and he could carry the cross all the way up and all the way down with no bother at all. And all our rucksacks as well!”, Diamens response was ‘Hold me to it!”.[The Light Walk Challengers are bantering, bonding, praying and encouraging each other ahead of the challenge]

I was training on the Mourne Mountains in County Down last night, which is similar terrain to the last part of Scafell Pike, very very very rough, it’s like boulders! It made me think – how are we going to carry the cross, because last night was tough! I was thinking crikey if you have a cross as well, how do you do it with stability and falling forward with the weight!’.[Amy B., and the realities of training and preparing for the Light Walk Challenge]

“Getting in some practice as the local terrain affords.”[Simon S., walking Chalk Hill overlooking Shoreham Village]

Paul Robinson practicing carrying the cross.

Paul and Simon, who has provided the cross, holding it aloft.

In many parts of the world Christians have to meet together in secret. Often this involves gathering under the cover of darkness. For example, in Laos, Pastor Phouang’s church have to meet outside their village after dark to avoid being detected by the authorities.

Just because you cannot climb Scarfell Pike yourself, does not mean you cannot support our persecuted brothers and sisters!

You can sponsor Paul’s climb through his Just Giving page. Every gift will go directly to support the ministry of Release International—VOICE of persecuted Christians — helping bring practical support, encouragement and hope to believers who are standing firm for Christ under pressure.

You can arrange your own Church Light Walk, bring as many of your friends and family along, and make sure you tell your local news stations about it!

You can arrange prayer meetings under cover of darkness.  Just like our brothers and sisters who have to meet at night to avoid the authorities, we remember them.