A HERO who helped victims in the Nepal earthquake has been honoured whilst trekking up Everest on a historic climb.

Former Knutsford firefighter Steve Buckley and his loyal dog Bryn carried out the mercy mission back in 2015.

The pair were part of the International Search and Rescue Team which helped survivors in the remote villages around Kathmandu.

“When the call came that we were needed, there was no time to waste,” said Steve, from Mobberley.

“Myself and Bryn jumped on a plane and we were sent to Nepal.

“Even with the devastation all around caused by the earthquake, the Nepalese were the kindest people you could imagine and couldn’t do enough for you.

“We just did what we could and Bryn, who was an amazing dog, worked tirelessly to help the effort.”

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Steve was trekking in the Himalayas with wife Sylvia and friends from Knutsford when villagers surprised him with a thank you gift.

The climb marked the 100-year anniversary of Mobberley-born George Mallory’s first expedition to Mount Everest in 1922.

Knutsford Guardian: Devendra Rai lead guide, Ben Kaberry, David Clayton, Sue Hubbard, Sylvia Buckley and George Manley at The Himalaya LodgeDevendra Rai lead guide, Ben Kaberry, David Clayton, Sue Hubbard, Sylvia Buckley and George Manley at The Himalaya Lodge

The Everest climbers had just finished an evening meal in The Himalaya Lodge, at 4,200 metres, in the village of Pheriche in the Khumbu Valley.

“Our trekking guide Devendra came over and explained he wanted to thank me for my help in Nepal,” said Steve.

“I was completely taken aback.

“Then more people kept coming with traditional silk scarves and it was quite overwhelming.

“At the end I must’ve had eight scarves around my neck. It was another reminder of how generous the Nepalese people are.

“We were just doing a job and Bryn, well, he was a special dog.”

Knutsford Guardian: Ben Kaberry, Steve Buckley, David Clayton, Sylvia Buckley and Sue Hubbard celebrate reaching Everest Base Camp Ben Kaberry, Steve Buckley, David Clayton, Sylvia Buckley and Sue Hubbard celebrate reaching Everest Base Camp

A cake was also presented to Steve, decorated with the message ‘Steve with huge respect and thanks for your helping hands.

Steve has worked on various other global catastrophes, including the Indonesian earthquake in Sumatra and the aftermath of the tsunami.

The former firefighter now provides help and training to search and rescue organisations all over the world.