Eugene Scardifield reached the base camp of Mount Everest last week, but the journey wasn’t just about the altitude—it was about memory, grief, and survival. The 58-year-old civil engineering supervisor walked 249,034 steps over 11 days, climbing to 5,664 meters, all while carrying a photograph of his murdered brother Michael in his backpack.
Michael Scardifield, 40, was strangled in his Stoke-on-Trent flat in 2015. The killer, Martin Birchall, was convicted of murder in 2016 and sentenced to life in prison. For Eugene, the trek became a lifeline after years of spiraling into depression and alcohol abuse. He credits Support After Murder and Manslaughter (SAMM) with pulling him back from the edge.
Key Points
- ✅ Eugene Scardifield trekked 249,034 steps over 11 days to honor his murdered brother Michael
- ⚡ Carried Michael’s photo throughout the journey, reaching 5,664m elevation
- 💡 Raised over £5,000 for SAMM, a charity supporting families affected by homicide
“He was with me every day,” Eugene said. “When I reached base camp and saw the stone marking 5,364m, I walked away and cried. It was brutal, but I had to do it—for him.” The trek forced him to confront not only the physical demands of high-altitude hiking but also the emotional weight of loss. Even simple tasks like brushing his teeth became arduous at 5,600 meters.
| Trekking Challenge | Day 5 | Day 8 | Day 11 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation Reached | 3,500m | 5,364m (base camp) | 5,664m (Kala Patthar) |
| Physical Challenge | Heart and soul ached; missing family | Group formed tight bonds; emotional breakthrough | Sunrise over Everest; poetic closure |
Eugene’s mother, Helen Smith, welcomed him home alongside Sylvia and Jo from SAMM. “We’re so proud of him,” she said. “This wasn’t just a hike—it was a rebirth.” After eight grueling days to base camp, Eugene climbed Kala Patthar at dawn to watch the sunrise over the Himalayas. “It was breathtaking,” he recalled. “There’s something sacred about the light breaking over Everest. It felt like Michael was there.”
📋 By The Numbers
- 249,034 steps — Total distance walked during the 11-day trek
- £5,000+ — Funds raised for SAMM through donations and sponsorships
- 2015 — Year Michael Scardifield was murdered
- 2016 — Year his killer was convicted and jailed for life
For Eugene, the trek was never just about the destination. It was about proving to himself—and to Michael—that life could still hold meaning after unthinkable tragedy. “I wouldn’t have made it without SAMM,” he said. “They didn’t erase the pain, but they gave me tools to carry it. Now, I want others to know they’re not alone.” SAMM, based in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, offers peer support, counseling, and practical guidance to families shattered by murder and manslaughter. Eugene urges others affected by such violence to reach out. “Don’t suffer in silence,” he said. “SAMM saved me. It can help you too.”
💡 Pro Tip
If you’re planning a high-altitude trek for emotional healing, start with shorter acclimatization hikes at 2,000–3,000 meters before attempting base camp. Gradual exposure reduces altitude sickness risk and builds mental resilience.
Eugene’s message resonates beyond the summit. In his backpack, alongside Michael’s photo, was a note: “For Michael—you’re always with me.” Now, he’s bringing that same support to others walking their own painful paths.
- 📊 Over 70% of SAMM’s users report improved coping skills within six months of joining
- 🔍 Homicide survivors face a 30% higher risk of PTSD than victims of other violent crimes
- ⚠️ Altitude sickness can mimic severe anxiety, complicating grief processing during high-altitude treks
Eugene’s journey stands as a testament to the power of purpose in the face of unspeakable loss—and the quiet strength of a charity that refuses to let families face it alone.