Telling Stories That Demonstrate Impact
Some projects remind you why you do what you do.
Over the last six months, I've been working with the Maud Village Trust, helping them capture inspirational stories of their members at the Old Mart Gym. What started as a straightforward video project became something far more profound—a series of stories that showcase how this charity is genuinely changing lives in their community.
The Maud Village Trust needed to demonstrate their impact. As a charity, showing the tangible difference they make isn't just good practice—it's essential for funding, support, and continued growth. They needed more than statistics or reports. They needed human stories that would resonate.
I provided marketing, production, content creation support, and producing videos that would capture the real experiences of their members. What I wasn't prepared for was just how moving these stories would be.
Take Dita, for instance. At 80 years young, she was terrified of gyms—until a surgeon told her she needed to stop jogging or risk needing a third hip replacement. That surgeon personally walked her into a gym, and despite "shaking like a leaf," she gave it a go. Now she's doing gym classes four times a week, and has built friendships that have become central to her life. She moved to Aberdeenshire from East Africa and was welcomed into a community that's helped her maintain her independence and health.
Then there's Kate, a member who doesn't let her disability stop her from trying everything - from gym classes to line dancing. Her determination inspires everyone around her. And Ali, whose story adds yet another dimension to the impact this place has on people's lives.
What struck me most wasn't just the individual achievements - though those are remarkable. It was the recurring themes: the sense of belonging, the friendships formed, the way this gym has become a lifeline for people who might otherwise be isolated. The professional, passionate instructors who push members just enough to help them achieve things they never thought possible.
These aren't just gym members. They're people who've found a community that supports them, challenges them, and genuinely cares about their wellbeing.
The videos we've created don't just show what the Maud Village Trust does - they demonstrate why it matters. They capture real voices, real emotions, and real transformation. For a charity trying to show their impact, there's nothing more powerful than letting the people they serve tell their own stories.
This project reminded me that marketing and content creation, at their best, aren't about selling - they're about sharing truth in a way that moves people. And these stories? They move you.
