‘Stoptober’ campaign above expectations

More than a quarter of a million people pledged to stub out their last cigarette during the UK’s “Stoptober” anti-smoking campaign, according to a Press Association story published by the Lakeland Echo and quoting a government source.

The month-long NHS [National Health Service] quit drive was aimed at encouraging some ofBritain’s eight million smokers to kick the habit.

Health minister, Anna Soubry, was quoted as saying the £5.7 million campaign had “exceeded expectations”.

She said that most smokers wanted to give up, which was why it was necessary to keep encouraging them to take that step.

“I congratulate everyone who gave up for Stoptober – it’s a fantastic achievement,” she said. “They are five times more likely to give up for good after 28 days and I hope they will.

“For those who didn’t manage to stop for Stoptober, I would urge them to keep at it. People can start their own 28 day quit challenge at any time.”

Soubry added that half of all smokers would die because of their habit.