Man hikes to Everest Base Camp in memory of daughter

On January 5, 2018, Chris Clifford-Hirsrt lost his daughter Rhiannon (known as Rhi), who was a passionate violinist and played in the Westmorland Youth Orchestra. 

Chris is now hiking up to Everest Base Camp after rediscovering his love of walking in nature. This was something he used to do with Rhi, as they wild camped in the Lakeland fells and hiked the West Highland Way. 

He has already raised £1,070, which will go to Westmorland Youth Orchestra, and Papyrus, a youth suicide prevention charity. 

Chris hiking with his family before Rhiannon's death (Image: Submitted)

He said that his daughter's death: "Was something that came out of nowhere. One split-second decision took away our daughter's future and brought all her family's crumbling to the ground. 

"In the first few years you find that life is very hard work, all my passions and loves were just replaced with numbness and a desire to get my wife and children through this difficult time. 

"I have very few memories of this time as we stumbled along on a road of heartache and struggle." 

After this, Chris began to find time in the fells with his friends and his dog. Every time he summits the hills around his home he would call out her name, and still does on every walk. 

Chris hiking to Everest Base Camp (Image: Submitted)

Eventually, this led to him taking on the Everest Base Camp trek with a friend. He signed up for this three years ago and is now finally doing the trip. 

He said: "Rhiannon loved playing her violin with the Westmorland Youth Orchestra. They gave her the opportunity to play alongside her best friend and other talented musicians. 

"Half of the funds raised from this trek will be donated to the youth orchestra for a fund to benefit string players." 

The link to Chris's fundraiser is here on Give Star.