Twelve years on from the campaign that moved an entire industry, the IPTF revisits the 7Families – real people who faced life after serious illness or disability, to find out where they are today, and what role financial support played in shaping the years that followed
Tracey's Story
When Tracy lost almost all of her sight, life changed dramatically, for her and her husband Tim. Twelve years on, we revisit their story to find out what life has looked like since, what a fibromyalgia diagnosis added to the picture, and why they’re now advocates for Income Protection.
Graeme's Story
Graeme suffered a bilateral stroke in 2014 – fit, healthy, and with no warning. Twelve years on, he reflects on recovery, the importance of financial support, and why Income Protection gave him the time and space to rebuild his life and be there for his daughters.
Our Hero Film
Twelve years on, three families return to share how life has unfolded since the original 7Families Project. Through intimate conversations, Nikki and Phil reflect on rebuilding after illness, Graeme reveals how a stroke changed his perspective on what truly matters, and Tracey and Tim share the consequences of losing their Income Protection coverage when they needed it most. Their stories challenge the assumption “it won’t happen to me” and make a powerful case for the importance of Income Protection.
Real stories of recovery, resilience and life rebuilt
Three of the original 7Families share their journeys twelve years on. These accounts reveal how resilience, support and financial security have shaped lives after serious illness or disability
How Income Protection – and the lack of it – shaped financial futures
See how access to protection determined whether these families thrived, survived, or struggled through recovery
Why “it won’t happen to me” is the most dangerous assumption
Nobody plans for serious illness or disability. Yet one in four of us will be unable to work for more than three months before retirement age. These stories show why this assumption can costs families their financial security
The case for a national conversation – in schools, universities and beyond
Income Protection remains a blind spot in financial education. This video makes the case for why Income Protection must sit at the heart of national conversations about financial resilience and wellbeing
Our 7Families Project
In 2014, the 7Families project gave seven remarkable people a tax-free income for a year, alongside expert rehabilitation support and a platform to share their stories. Their experiences transformed how the industry talks about Income Protection – not just as a product, but as a lifeline.
