At a unique launch event in the smoke-free Millennium Stadium, WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis welcomed Chief Executive of Public Health Wales Dr Tracey Cooper, Chief Medical Officer Dr Ruth Hussey and Consultant in Public Health Dr Julie Bishop for the biggest ever no smoking campaign in Wales.
The event publicised details of the 28 day stop smoking challenge ‘Stoptober’ which returns this October and revealed that throughout September and October ‘Stop Smoking Wales’, run by Public Health Wales, will be offering a range of support in conjunction with the WRU.
Stoptober is based on research which shows that if you can stop smoking for 28 days, you are five times more likely to quit. Public Health Wales also revealed that a recent survey identified that only 7% of smokers in Wales knew that one in two long term smokers will die of a smoking related disease. Worryingly, 42% of the smokers polled seriously underestimated this risk.
Dr Julie Bishop said: “It’s extremely concerning that such a high percentage of smokers are unaware that smoking has such a serious effect on their health. That’s why it’s vital we help as many people as possible to stop smoking so they don’t become the one out of every two long term smokers to leave their family or friends behind.
“We know that stopping smoking is one of the hardest things many people will do and that there’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach to quitting. That’s why we are launching this multi-faceted campaign today which includes Stoptober and Don’t Be The One – each of which has a different approach to helping you in your quit attempt.
“Alongside this high profile marketing campaign, there is more help available than ever before from GPs, pharmacies, hospitals and of course the free NHS service, Stop Smoking Wales. Research shows that people are more likely to quit, the more support they get.”
Roger Lewis said: “There is no place for smoking in sport. The home of Welsh rugby, the Millennium Stadium, is a totally smoke free stadium and we are committed to supporting this campaign to encourage as many smokers in Wales to kick the habit into touch.”
Anyone can take part in Stoptober with free advice and support available from Stop Smoking Wales on 0800 085 2219.
