ProtectionNov 10 2014

Second beneficiary for Seven Families campaign confirmed

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Charity promotional campaign Seven Families has announced a deaf former probation worker unable to work after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis will be its second chosen beneficiary.

Daniel Pinder was born deaf in November 1964 and was also diagnosed with epilepsy while young. He worked as a rehabilitation officer until 2009, when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Mr Pinder, who will receive £700 per month from the campaign, explained Seven Families is important for raising public awareness of the real impact of health conditions.

Mr Pinder stated: “The money we received from the project will be used to improve our standard of living as well as training for future employment that is hopefully suited to my skills and abilities.

“I may also obtain specialist equipment that will aid me to be more independent whether socially or in employment.”

Seven Families has been backed by Aegon, Ageas Protect, Aviva, British Friendly, Canada Life, Cardif Pinnacle, Ellipse, Exeter Friendly, Fineos, Friends Life, Hannover Re UK Life, LV, Pacific Life Re, PruProtect, RGA, Scor, Scottish Widows, Unum and Zurich.

The companies will provide one year of financial support to the breadwinners of seven families currently unable to work through ill health or accident.

Peter Le Beau, chairman of the Income Protection Taskforce and spokesperson for the campaign, said: “It is the first campaign of its kind and it is probably the first time so many major companies have worked together for a common purpose and got widespread support for doing so.

“However, it is not just about the money as each family will also have the opportunity to benefit from independent living, rehabilitation and counselling services.”

Mr Le Beau added: “Each family will also have access to basic financial advice, from a range of volunteering financial advisers, to help with basic finances and budgeting.”

The first family announced to benefit from the project were Tim and Tracey Clarke, a married couple who live on a houseboat after financial difficulties forced the sale of the family home.

Ms Clarke was born with no sight in her left eye and had a career as a pharmacy technician, but in 2011 her eyesight began to shut down completely and she now retains just 2 per cent of her vision. The family will receive £600 per month from the campaign.

She said: “It is just about manageable on benefits but this additional money from Seven Families could be life changing.

“Amongst other things I will be able to buy a laptop with the necessary specialist software that will allow me to work again. I then hope to begin to build a path into writing and publishing, which I can do from the boat.”

peter.walker@ft.com