Diana Johnson MP supports No Smoking Day in Hull

Hull North MP Diana Johnson is supporting No Smoking Day today (12 March) to encourage Hull smokers to take The Great No Smoking Day Challenge.

In its 25th year, No Smoking Day is challenging smokers to quit for a week and to take the opportunity to find out about help and support available for when they are ready to stop smoking for good.

Thousands of No Smoking Day events are taking place all over the UK, with smoking cessation services on hand to help smokers who are ready to take the challenge. No Smoking Day also promotes the information that is available at www.nosmokingday.org.uk to help people wanting to cease smoking.

Hull and East Riding's local Stop Smoking Service can also be reached on their helpline on 0800 915 5959. There is also the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0169 and further information on how to stop smoking at www.nhs.uk/gosmokefree.

Diana Johnson MP said: "Smoking kills - taking up to nine years off the average life expectancy - and Hull has one of the highest levels of smoking in the UK.

"Some 37.1 per cent of Hull's adults are smokers according to recent figures. In Bransholme East Ward this figure was as high as 54 per cent. The public health consequences have been a disaster for Hull.

"I supported the new laws on smoking in enclosed public spaces that came into force last year, giving people freedom from unhealthy smoke at work and in places such as pubs and restaurants. I am pleased that this legislation is leading more people to try giving up smoking.

"This is where the excellent No Smoking Day campaign can help.

"I encourage smokers in Hull to take The Great No Smoking Day Challenge and give up cigarettes for good. Quitting smoking is good for peoples' health and their wealth. For example, it would be great to see parents in Hull using the money they would save by giving up smoking to invest in their children perhaps through Child Trust Fund accounts.

"People in Hull can visit the local Stop Smoking Service for help and advice on how to quit smoking. Doing this would increase their chances of success by up to four times."

Dan Tickle, Chief Executive of No Smoking Day, the charity behind the annual health awareness campaign, said: "Good luck to all smokers in Hull who are taking The Great No Smoking Day Challenge to improve their health in the best possible way on 12 March.

"Stopping smoking is the ultimate lifestyle overhaul. You'll feel fitter and healthier and have more energy and more money. Good luck!"