Testimonials
35 families. Every one of them, in their own words.
Not edited down to sound good. Just what they actually said, right after they heard it.
Hear it for yourself
Stephen Turner, in his own words.
Stephen Turner — Son
What it's actually like to sit and listen.
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The parent you thought you knew
The core discovery — you assumed you already knew them.
Simon Pinks — Son
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Simon on the version of his dad he'd never heard before.
I really liked the prompts we were given to think about — working out what bits of Dad's life I was actually interested in, and what I knew nothing about. You think you know your parents, and they think they know you, but there's a huge gap in your understanding of each other. It got me thinking about his life, about them as parents, and about me being a parent now. And the nuggets from his childhood were wonderful — like Grandpa's stuffed creature that came out at parties with the cigarettes in its mouth. Little things like that were amazing.
I just love to paint a picture of who my dad was growing up... but that's possibly not exactly who he is or he thinks he is. I just want to know what that person looked like more.
They said, 'We didn't realise — we hadn't thought about the fact that you had the parents more by yourself for so long.' That's where they realised. They saw stuff that I didn't see, because I was too young to realise.
I don't think anyone has ever given him so much attention without anyone interrupting him... I love knowing we've got these recordings, we can hear Dad's sense of humour, his mannerisms.
Even though Dad and I are close, the experience uncovered so much I didn't know and might never have known — for that I am grateful.
Siblings, reconnected
The unexpected bonus — it's not just about the parent, it's about each other.
Axel — Son
Axel on what the recordings gave his family.
Where I was surprised and delighted was my brother and my sister... We've earned way more than 10 episodes. We've earned a connection that wasn't existing.
It definitely brought the siblings closer together. When I went home at Christmas, it felt like the first time we were just the siblings, together.
My brother was definitely more emotional than he normally is when I was back at Christmas. And I think this kind of stuff makes him feel like we are becoming a lot closer.
I found the experience deeply cathartic and almost calming. It was a chance to really think about my father and our family in general, start to connect the dots, and laugh at the life we have all shared together. It was a bonding experience that I am very grateful for.
Before it's too late
Mortality, urgency, and the reluctant parent who came around anyway.
My dad? Let's just say he was a little sceptical... Thankfully, my mum is very persuasive, and before long, my dad was on board too... I've cried. I've laughed uncontrollably. I've learned things I never knew about my parents.
My dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer... every unasked question and unrecalled moment grew significant... persuading Dad wasn't hard at all. Now, Dad's voice is captured — a legacy I can revisit when he's gone.
You always assume there will be more time. Now is the time!
Everyone gets sick and everyone dies. What we're left with when they pass is memories. This is the opportunity to keep that alive — so don't hesitate.
In their own words — the parents
This isn't something done to parents. They love it too.
John Turner — Dad
"I loved every minute of it."
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A dad on what the experience was like from his side of the microphone.
I think you've managed this whole process beautifully... I can think of nothing else, nothing else like it actually. It was like my epitaph, but I was present.
That is incredible that you have been a part of more than 35 families... what a meaningful treasure each family will have forever.
It was a wonderful experience. I just keep thinking of so many other things that I could have added. But focusing like you did was so important. I will cherish this.
This experience gave me the opportunity to share my story with my son in a way that everyday life never allows. It's a priceless gift, allowing him to truly know me, my past, and the lessons I've learned.
Stories of those we've lost
Grief, and the families who've done this after losing someone, not just before.
Chris Walton — Son-in-law
Chris on doing this after losing his own dad — and why he wouldn't wait again.
“She'd Give a Million Pounds”
What it's worth, once they're gone.
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It's not really a decision. It's go and do it, because it will be some of the best money you've spent... So go and do it now.
Everything I'd hoped for and more. It was so lovely to hear the stories — it made me remember so many more stories.
I'd lost my father and I thought — what a fantastic idea! I wish I could have done that with my own dad... when you've lost a parent, you sort of realise that things like this are absolutely priceless.
Your family's story is next.
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