Meet Mohammad, an asylum seeker making a difference in Carlisle

And that is the reality that drove Mohammad, 33, to seek asylum in the United Kingdom.

He has lived in Carlisle for 11 months and has become a much-respected and liked man who helps out wherever and whoever he can.

Mohammad, from Iran, was raised in a Muslim family in a country where even owning a Bible was forbidden.

On his conversion to Christianity, he joined a house group, where two people were arrested.

He hid out for five days while police visited his family and his workplace trying to find him.

"I knew I would be arrested. I could even have been killed, so with some help, I came to the UK to seek asylum."

Like others waiting for their case to be considered, Mohammad lives in a hotel in Carlisle. The asylum seekers receive three meals a day and are given £8 a week to live.

They are not allowed to work and Mohammad said many struggle with the boredom of long days with nothing to do.

That has not been his problem.

He joined Hebron Evangelical Church and has made himself an indispensable member, not just of the church but also its community.

Administrative co-ordinator Claire Bennett said: "We host a free meal bank on a Monday evening from 6pm to 7.30m where people who need it can have a two course hot meal. They can also wash their clothes and have a shower.

"We welcome anyone facing times of hardship, be that financial or otherwise or those needing a safe space and some company.

"It's a space to come and be warm, be fed, be prayed for, play board games or just to chat."

She said Mohammed came along to volunteer almost as soon as he arrived in Carlisle. He has served meals, chatted with guests and even played chess with some - he is a great chess player.

Mohammed has become a much-loved member of a Carlisle church group who appreciate the help he gives (Image: Submitted)

Although he studies mathematics and English, Mohammed is a handyman who has helped with many jobs around the church.

He has even gone to the homes of people connected to the church and helped them with repairs and renovations on a purely voluntary basis.

Ms Bennett went on: "There is often so much negativity about asylum seekers and why they are here. Mohammad - we all know him as Mo - is an example of what many are like and how willing they are to contribute to their new homes and communities."

Mohammad's application for asylum status is still being considered and it is not just him, but an entire church congregation, praying that he will be able to stay in Carlisle.