'My murdered brother was with me on Everest trek'

A father-of-four trekked to Everest base camp and beyond in memory of his murdered brother.

Eugene Scardifield said his brother was with him as he tackled his highest fundraising challenge, walking 249,034 steps over 11 days and reaching an elevation of 5,664m (18,519 ft).

But he said it was a journey he would not have made if it was not for charity Support After Murder and Manslaughter (SAMM), who he said saved his life after he entered a spiral of depression and alcohol abuse.

The 58-year-old, from Portsmouth, said his world was turned upside down after his older brother Michael Scardifield, 40, was strangled in his flat in Stoke-on Trent in 2015.

Throughout his gruelling trek to raise money and awareness for SAMM, Eugene carried a photograph of his brother in his backpack.

"He was with me every day," he said "When I reached base camp and saw the big stone saying you've reached 5,364m (17,598 ft), I walked away and had a good cry.

"It was extremely emotional. He would be really proud of what I have done."

He said his climb was to ensure no-one faces life after homicide alone.

"The whole experience was phenomenal but I would not have been able to do this event if it was not for SAMM. I would not be able to do anything without SAMM.

"I can't praise the support they give to families enough. They can't wave a magic wand and take the pain away but they can help alleviate it."

He explained, although he did not suffer from altitude sickness, even "doing mundane things like brushing your teeth and eating" was laboured.

The civil an electrical supervisor, who grew up in Hayling Island, said: "I found day five really difficult, my heart and soul hurt, because I was missing my children and home.

"I was walking with a group of strangers but we all pulled together and supported each other.

"It was like we had known each other our whole lives. They really helped me through it."

After trekking for eight days to reach base camp, Eugene then climbed Kala Patthar (5,644.5m/18,519ft), and watched the sunrise over Everest.

"It was tough but the scenery was completely breathtaking.

"There is something extremely poetic about watching the sunrise over through the Himalayas.

"It was highlight of the whole thing. It was so beautiful."

Eugene has raised more than £5,000 for SAMM.

"I would recommend any families who have been affected by murder or manslaughter to reach out to SAMM."

In 2016 Michael Scardifield's killer, Martin Birchall, was jailed for life after being convicted of murder.