Grimsby Town players have joined a campaign to urge smokers in Grimsby to show cigarettes the red card.  Players are backing the Big Quit campaign, set up to offer local people the help and support they need to quit smoking for good. Research shows people accessing NHS support are four times more likely to successfully quit smoking.

Justin Whittle, club captain at Grimsby Town said: “Smoking has a serious effect on your health – there is no way you could smoke and play football like me, you have to really look after yourself. Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and I would really encourage people to get in touch with their local stop smoking service to help them kick the habit for good!”

Janice Morris from the North East Lincolnshire Local Stop Smoking Service said: “It’s great that Grimsby Town is helping the NHS to tackle one of the biggest killers in the area. Quitting smoking can be hard and that’s why the Local Stop Smoking Service offers support and advice to local people who want to stop. “We are here to help and I’d urge anyone who wants to give up to call 0845 6032166 or visit www.freedomfromsmoke.org.uk.”

Big Quit Teams have been out and about in Grimsby offering free advice and information on local stop smoking services, advice on increasing your odds of quitting successfully and encouraging people to set a quit date. 

Specialist advisors have been carrying out CO2 tests and lung life checks to show people for themselves the effect that smoking has on their health. Local radio DJs have also been encouraging listeners to sign up to The Big Quit Club and to stop smoking with through daily competitions, features, motivational emails and podcasts.

Would be quitters can visit www.gosmokefree.co.uk or the The Big Quit website www.bigquit.co.uk where they will find top tips on how to quit, information on the local NHS Stop Smoking Services in their area, a downloadable smokefree wallchart, and a message wall to swap quitting tips with other Big Quitters.