Press Release
August 2008
PLYMOUTH QUITTER ONE STEP CLOSER TO €15,000 HOLIDAY VOUCHERS PRIZE
Susan Hall (43) from Plymouth has stormed her way to the semi-final of the European Smokefree Quitter of the Year 2008. Susan quit smoking in May 2006 after deciding she didn’t want to be old and unfit anymore. She realised stopping smoking was her first step.
The European Smokefree Quitter of the Year competition is run by QUIT®, the charity dedicated to helping people stop smoking.
Susan said: “When I decided to stop smoking it was one of the biggest decisions of my life. I had been smoking 20-a-day for nearly 30 years. I was an overweight smoke-smelling 40-year old unable to change one or the other. Stopping smoking has made me feel healthier so I have been able to exercise more and lose weight. I decided to have a gastric bypass for my birthday this year, but I wouldn’t have been offered the surgery if I still smoked as the risks are too high.”
“My doctor prescribed me Nicotine replacement patches and gum and was really supportive. I carried a beaded necklace around with me to keep my hands busy as I missed holding a cigarette. The money I would have used to buy cigarettes has bought us a motor home which has enabled us to explore Europe.”
“I am much healthier now and am able to do more walking and climb hills I would never have managed before. We’ve even saved money on our home and life insurance now I’m a non-smoker! This one decision has allowed me to change my life!”
If Susan reaches the finals of the competition, she’ll win a two-night stay in Amsterdam in September, where one of 12 European finalists will be awarded €15,000 holiday vouchers.
Anyone inspired by Susan should ring Quitline® 0800 00 22 00 for friendly help and advice on how to quit.
ENDS
For more details about the European Smokefree Quitter of the Year or QUIT (lead agency of European Network of Quitlines), please contact Kate Spicer 0207 553 3267.
QUIT is the independent charity whose aim is to save lives by helping smokers to stop. Smokers wanting to quit can call the Quitline 0800 002200 7 days a week 9am-9pm for help and advice on quitting smoking, or access email counselling via stopsmoking@quit.org.uk. For more information, visit www.quit.org.uk
Pfizer has provided financial support towards this awards programme. However, the European Network of Quitlines has full editorial control of all materials relating to the awards and full control over both the selection criteria and selection of finalists and winners.
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