STOPTOBER begins tomorrow and is hoping to help thousands of smokers to quit by encouraging them to swap smokes for jokes.
The national campaign to encourage people to stop smoking is supported by comedians, Al Murray, Paddy McGuinness, Andi Osho and Simon Brodkin, better known for playing character, Lee Nelson.
Paddy McGuinness explains why he wanted to get involved with the campaign.
“Well my personal experience of smoking is like most people – kind of a crafty fag at school,” he says.
“But thank the Lord it never agreed with me, so I wasn’t a big smoker after that. But my family are all hard-core smokers, and my aunty, who smoked for 30 years, stopped recently. And I kind of thought well if she can stop, anyone can stop.
“It’s a 28-day challenge to stop and I think people should do it because one – it’s your health, that is the main thing above everything else – it’s your health, but financially it’s rewarding as well, it’s gotta be.
“I don’t know how much a packet of 20 is now, but I reckon you’ll not get much change out of £7, so you know one – you’ll feel better, and two – you’ll have a bit more money in your pocket.”
Al Murray, aka the Pub Landlord, adds his thoughts: “Well, if you quit for 28 days you are apparently, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 times more likely to quit permanently.
And if you wanna quit permanently, I’m not telling you to – look, listen, right let’s get this one thing straight – I’m not telling you what to do.
“Free country, do what you like, but we’re here to help right?
“We’re here to give you that little lift, give you that little extra inch, get you over the finish line and help you give up smoking.”
For more information and to join the biggest stop smoking challenge of its kind, visit: stoptober.co.uk to sign up.
Name: Rachel Pulford
Age: 45
Job: Customer Service Adviser
From:: Maybush
Smokes: 30-a-day for 29 years
Why I’m giving up: “I’ve had enough of smoking controlling me. It’s expensive, it’s disgusting and it’s stupid – I just need to stop.”
How I’m going to quit: “I know it is going to be very, very hard and I have nicotine gum for when I am really desperate, but if I can just get through the first few days – I’m hoping I will be OK.”
My biggest hurdle: “I think my biggest hurdle will be getting around missing the very first cigarette in the morning, because that’s the first thing I do when I get up in the morning. A cigarette and a coffee starts my day.”
Name: David Wood
Age:: 46
Job: Landscape Gardener
From: Maybush
Smokes: 30-a-day for 32 years
Why I’m giving up: “I have a few health issues, and smoking is not helping. I want to give up because I am a diabetic and I have an awful cough every morning, plus the fact I know I’m unfit.”
How I’m going to quit: “I’m hoping I can do it with willpower alone as I have tried aids before, but I believe it comes down to willpower.”
My biggest hurdle: “I think it will be fairly hard to resist having one after food, and drink, and when I’m in the pub.”
Names:: Teenage cousins, Brooke Bridges and Courtney Davies
Age:: Both 18
Job:: Brooke is at college and works part-time, Courtney is a personal shopper
From:: Millbrook
Smokes:: Up to 20-a-day for three years
Why I’m giving up: Brooke – “I want to stop as I really want to be healthier. I want to get back into martial arts and I need to be fit and healthy to do so.”
Courtney – “I want to be healthier too. And I have just passed my driving test and bought my first car, so I need to save money.”
How I’m going to quit: “We are hoping we can support each other when it gets tough, and will use an electronic cigarette if we need to.”
My biggest hurdle: Brooke – “I think my willpower may be my weakest point, but I can do this!”
Courtney – “I think not having a cigarette alongside a few drinks will be the biggest hurdle for me.”
Name: Donna Kayley
Age: 40
Job: Dinner Lady
From: Southampton
Smokes: 20-30-a-day for 20 years
Why I’m giving up: “I want to give up smoking for my children, so that we can go on a nice holiday abroad.
And I want to be a bit fitter to be able to play with my granddaughter.”
How I’m going to quit: “I have tried to give up a few times – I think my willpower will be the big test. I am going to try a vapour cigarette, mints and chewing gum to help me get through it.”
My biggest hurdle: “I think it will be really hard when I go out with my friends as a lot of them smoke, or if I go out for a drink or two.”
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