Soap star helps spread stop smoking message

Smokers at Addenbrooke's had an extra incentive to quit on No Smoking Day (09 March) as Emmerdale star Lyndon Ogbourne was on hand to help spread the stop smoking message.

The actor, who played Nathan Wylde in the soap, was keen to get on board and help give out leaflets alongside Trust staff and Camquit.

He said: "I have always been trying to encourage various members of my family to quit so am more than happy to help spread the stop smoking message. Several of my friends are social smokers and that is as dangerous as any smoking. With it being Lent it's a good time to try to give up. Smoking is a disgusting thing to do and it's not good for your looks or health at all."

Lyndon proved a big hit with patients, visitors and staff all keen to have their picture taken with the star.

 

Trust smoking cessation lead Barbara Brafman-Kennedy organised today's concourse event and has led a campaign to get as many staff as possible to pledge to give up. So far more than 20 staff have asked for support to quit.

Barbara says: "I know quitting is really hard but it's one of the main things we can do to improve quality of health. With the right support it is possible to stub it out for good."

Administration Manager Lyn Davies has managed to successfully stop smoking after being referred to Camquit by Barbara.

Although Lyn has tried to give up in the past she has never managed to quit for good but says she has this time thanks to a combination of NRT patches and the support of a Camquit advisor.

She said: "I gave up over a week ago and I have not touched one since and I don't intend to. My Camquit counsellor has been really, really good. He's excellent and it's this support that makes all the difference.

"I have tried so many times to give up and am pleased that I've finally done it. When I think of the money I've spent on cigarettes - over £2,000 a year - it's staggering. I think people who don't smoke don't realise how hard it is to quit because it is an addiction. But you can beat it."

 

> Camquit website

 

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