My journey into legacy videos began long before I ever picked up a camera. It started while visiting people in aged care and feeling a deep sadness at how easily meaning can slip away when life becomes quieter and more limited. I kept wondering: “What can I do to help people reclaim more meaning in their lives?”

​

Around that time I discovered Dignity Therapy, which helps people foster meaning and dignity by reflecting on their personal life stories as they approach the end of life, but it also applies to anyone at any stage of life. This philosophy resonated deeply with me and set me on a new path.

​

I became a volunteer helping people write their life stories — in particular, I worked with a young man named Michael who lives with cerebral palsy. After listening to him patiently and writing his (amazing) story with him, I had an idea. I asked if he'd like to tell his story with his own voice. He said "yes", so I grabbed my phone and videoed him on the spot. Well the sheer joy on his face marked the beginning of You Tell Videos.

​

That was the power of storytelling — not just capturing a precious story, but more importantly giving meaning and dignity to the person.

​

I didn’t come to this work through television or film school. My background is in teaching, listening, and helping people grow. I’m simply someone who believes every person deserves to feel heard, valued, and honoured.

​

The truth is that legacy films may not be watched often. In fact they may sit quietly on a shelf or a hard drive much of the time. But their existence matters. They are proof that a life was seen, heard, and honoured. That’s why I do this work — to help people find dignity and meaning by sharing their voice, their story and their personal wisdom to benefit others.

​

I also give presentations within the community to help people feel comfortable talking about their lives — the experiences they've had, lessons they've learned, the people they've become. I want to encourage people and build their confidence to share their story with a friend or family member (hopefully holding a camera).