An important part of remembering Anzac Day is hearing stories of first-hand experiences of people who have served.

‘Lest we forget' is the common phrase, but unfortunately often we do forget these stories as they pass from generation to generation almost like Chinese whispers.

Personal historian Kate McCarthy from Forget-Me-Not-Life-Stories has prepared life stories from war veterans to pillars in the community for many years, believing in the importance of recording stories from the past.

'I've had many people come to me to relay stories of their hardships in war and I always feel very honoured to hear them,” says Kate.

'Many of us know someone in our extended family who told great stories or had a great story to tell, but certain details can be lost when told through the ages, which is why it is so important to record or write them down.”

Personal history goes beyond the names and dates on a family tree and records the stories completely unique to the individual.

Photos and memorabilia bring the story to life and a book is created that becomes a family legacy.

Kate says stories are important for teaching, with technology and lifestyle changing rapidly.

'In my opinion it's a huge loss on so many levels if we don't record stories from the past, mainly because the rate of change is so fast and vast.”

What concerns Kate most is people don't have the time and it can quickly become too late.

'I believe everyone has a story to tell, but once people are gone their stories and the family history goes with them.”

For a professional and quality book of memories that lasts contact Kate McCarthy on 021 024 54857 or email kmccarthy@lifestories.net.nz