Corrie-star backs ‘Quit for Quids’

Coronation Street star Samia Smith launches Quit for Quids with her mum Patsy and lookalike Bruce Forsyth (Paul Carter)

Coronation Street star Samia Smith launched ‘Quit for Quids’ today (Thursday 2 December 2010) to highlight the money that people in the borough could save if they kick their smoking habit before Christmas.

With an average packet of cigarettes costing over £6 a day, a regular smoker could save £186 in a month £2,232 in one year - which could fund a luxury getaway for Christmas 2011.

Samia was keen to support the campaign after her father, who was a smoker, tragically passed away from cancer of the oesophagus last year. Samia has also enlisted the support of her Mum, Patsy, who has pledged to try to quit smoking before Christmas.

Patsy, who has smoked on average 10 a day for over 20 years, visited her Local NHS Stop Smoking Service (LSSS) this week and began her Smokefree journey.

Patsy said: “I’ve been trying to quit for years now but I really want to do this time for the Grandkids. This is the first time I’ve tried using a Stop Smoking Service. I was a bit nervous about going at first but the advisor I saw was really friendly and has offered me loads of support.”

You can track Patsy’s quit journey at www.quitforquids.co.uk.

Samia said: “I’ve been really concerned about my Mum smoking for years so I’m really pleased she has decided that it’s time for her to try to stop. I am so proud of her and I will be encouraging her and supporting her every step of the way.

“I’ve grown up seeing the effects of smoking on my dad’s health and I know what it’s like to lose a family member to a smoking-related disease.”

Jane Rossini, the Director of Public Health for NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale said: “With 381 per 100,000 in the Rochdale Borough dying of smoking related diseases each year and an estimated 26.1% of adults still smoking, it is important that tackling tobacco remains a key priority.

“Quit for Quids” is about engaging with people who smoke in the run up to Christmas and showing them that they can have a healthier, happier lifestyle if they stop smoking, and perhaps a richer one too. I’d encourage anyone who wants to quit to contact their Local NHS Stop Smoking Service as with their help you are 4 times more likely to quit.”

You can contact the local Stop Smoking Service by calling 01706 708800.