NHS No Smoking Day
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TV star Kym Marsh joins NHS No Smoking Day campaign.
- Former-Corrie star and ex-smoker Kym Marsh encourages more people to give up smoking this No Smoking Day
- New NHS research reveals 43%i of smokers think their addiction prevents them from embracing life
- Quitting saves £2,500 a year, with the average smoker saving £48 a week
Kym Marsh, singer, actor and presenter, has joined forces with the NHS to urge the six million smokers in the UK to make a quit attempt this No Smoking Day.
The campaign coincides with the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament. The world-leading bill includes measures to create the first smokefree generation, phasing out the sale of tobacco products across the UK to those aged 16 and under this year.
This is a key pillar of the government’s Plan for Change, focusing on the crucial role prevention can take in cutting waiting lists and making the NHS fit for future.
New NHS research reveals that 43% of smokers think the addiction prevents them from fully embracing lifeii, with the main reasons cited include spending too much money on smoking (39%); feeling less fit (31%) and being self-conscious due to smelling of smoke (29%).
The new data examined the health and lifestyle effects of smoking and found that just under half (43%) of smokers admit they’ve missed out on time with friends and family due to smoking2. Additionally, (77%) of smokers admit their physical health has taken a serious hit and 73% of ex-smokers agree when reflecting on their past.
As part of the NHS 'No Smoking Day' campaign, Kym Marsh shares her powerful journey of breaking free from smoking – an addiction that once controlled her daily routine. In a touching new film, she reveals how quitting smoking wasn't just about health; it was about being present for her family and her children.
Kym Marsh — who began smoking in her teenage years and successfully quit several years ago — is looking to inspire others to follow suit.
Kym Marsh, singer, actor and presenter, said,
“Quitting smoking is not simply about breaking a habit; it’s about reclaiming control over your life, health and the future you share with your loved ones.”
“The decision to quit is one of the most empowering choices you can make. It's not an easy journey but knowing that your decision benefits both your own well-being and the health of those around you, particularly your family, makes it all the more worthwhile”
With NHS tools and support at your fingertips, you can take back your life and kick the habit for good. There are lots of options to choose from to help you quit smoking.”
In the new film, Kym Marsh joins other ex-smokers, including cancer survivor, Sue Mountain, who delivers an urgent message to current smokers, drawing on her personal experience to urge smokers to quit before it is too late. Mountain also appears in a powerful new TV advert released by the NHS as part of the Quit Smoking initiative.
Sue Mountain added,
“Quitting can save your life. After surviving cancer, I knew I had to quit and made the decision to never go back to smoking. I urge everyone to make today their quit day and avoid living with the regrets I had. Now that I've quit, I have a new lease on life, both physically and mentally.”
“Don’t wait for a wake-up call - make today the day you quit for good.
“I don’t want one person going through what I did. You can’t ever stop trying to quit because smoking will catch up with you sooner or later. You’ve got to keep trying to stop. It’s worth it!”
With more than one in three (37%) of smokers attempting to quit this yeariv2, the NHS is highlighting its free, proven support tools - including the NHS Quit Smoking app offering real-time help with cravings, and a Personal Quit Plan that provides tailored guidance based on tackling triggers and routines.
To support current smokers to quit, the government has also confirmed an additional £70 million for stop smoking services in England for 2025 and 2026. This is on top of the NHS rollout of a pill, varenicline, that could help tens of thousands of people give up cigarettes.
In addition, the government’s Swap to Stop scheme provides smokers with free vapes as a tool to help people quit smoking. While vapes can be an effective smoking cessation aid for adults, children and people who don’t smoke should never vape.
Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, said:
"Smoking remains the UK's biggest preventable cause of death, claiming around 80,000 lives every year - that's around 220 people every day.
"As someone who quit smoking after receiving a cancer diagnosis, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to break free from nicotine addiction. But I also know that it's possible, and the health benefits begin from day one - adding years to your life and putting money back in your pocket.
"The NHS offers free, personalised support to help you quit - from local stop smoking services to digital tools and medications.
"Our landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, will create the first smoke-free generation, protecting children and young people from ever starting to smoke.
“Whether you've been smoking for days or decades, it's never too late to quit and transform your health."
Smoking is the number one preventable cause of death, disability and ill health in the UK. It causes around 80,000 deaths a year in the UK and 1 in 4 of all cancer deaths in England, and kills up to two-thirds of its long-term users.
However, just 72 hours after quitting, your breathing will feel easier, and your energy will increase. After 12 weeks, your blood circulation will improve and by the time one year rolls around, your risk of heart attack will have halved compared to that of a smoker.
Quitting smoking offers significant financial benefits too. The average smoker can save approximately £48 per week—amounting to nearly £2,500 annually—a fact surprising to 41% of smokers.
According to the new data, three in five (65%) ex-smokers believe quitting smoking helped them save money2. Ex-smokers also reported positive changes when they quit smoking, including having more disposable income (50%), feeling proud of themselves (49%) and improved sense of taste and smell (40%).
NHS doctor and TV personality Dr Emeka Okorocha, added:
“Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health, as it causes one in four of all cancer deaths in England.
“And it’s never too late to quit smoking and there’s help available for those looking to stop smoking. When you quit smoking, your body and mind get a chance to heal.
“You will feel better physically, and your mood will improve. When you quit smoking, you will notice the difference.
Remember stopping smoking is easier when you have a plan – you don’t have to do it “alone.”
The Better Health website provides information about the importance of stopping smoking for your health, available stop smoking products to aid your quit journey and ways to manage cravings.
Take back your life. For help and support, download the free NHS Quit Smoking app today.