Hugh Henry, MSP is encouraging thousands of smokers in Renfrewshire to ‘swap fags for swag’ by quitting on No Smoking Day which is Wednesday, March 13.
The Labour politician is supporting the annual health campaign, run by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) throughout the UK, which shows how smokers could treat themselves to all sorts of ‘swag’ if they quit for a day, saving £11; a week (£78); a month (£336), and a year (£4,090)(1).
The Renfrewshire South member, said: “Stopping smoking is not only one of the best things you can do to boost your health but it’s great for your bank balance as well. Quitting can be difficult, but there is a lot of local support available and working out what you could afford to buy is a great motivator. I’d encourage everyone in Renfrewshire to give it a go and join thousands of others trying to quit on the day.”
He added: “The Paisley Daily Express is leading the way with its “Don’t Be left Out in the Cold” campaign which has helped encourage thousands of people to kick the habit since it was launched just months ago. Let’s hope even more people get the message.”
Approximately one in four Scots adults smoke but around two thirds of current smokers say they would like to stop ..
Marjory Burns, BHF Scotland Director, said: “More than 750,000 smokers across the UK all try to quit on No Smoking Day, so it’s a great time to give it a go if you smoke and really want to quit.
“Your cigarette money really adds up, so whether you want to swap your day’s packet of 20 for a new lipstick, save for a week and take your kids to the cinema, or save for a whole year and reward yourself with a holiday of a lifetime, there are lots of fun – and healthier – ways to spend your money.
“We’re here to help you every step of the way, so get ready to join in and swap fags for swag.”
The No Smoking Day campaign is now in its 30th year. It helped more than 760,000 people across the UK quit smoking last year and inspired another 1.5 million to seek out information to help them quit in future.
For more information on the benefits of quitting as well as top quit tips, visit www.wequit.co.uk or call 0800 84 84 84.
