MADAM,

Next month sees the start of Stoptober in Wales, the 28 day national campaign where smokers across the country will join forces to quit smoking for the month of October.

To celebrate the launch of the campaign in Wales, Stop Smoking Wales has released a map showing the financial benefits of quitting smoking to the regions of Wales – with interesting results!

By collectively stopping smoking for a year, football fans in Monmouth could save up to £3,682,003, which could be enough for Monmouth Town to buy Wales’ first choice goalkeeper, Wayne Hennessey!

Speaking about the launch of Stoptober, Dr Julie Bishop, Director of Health Improvement at Public Health Wales, said; “Although the comparison is a bit of fun, the financial benefits of quitting smoking are substantial and the money saved by quitting can make a real positive impact to an individual or family’s life. By quitting smoking, a 12-a day smoker could save around £1752 a year.

“Research shows that people who manage to kick the habit for 28 days are five times more likely to quit smoking for good so we’re urging smokers to give their bodies and their bank balances a boost by signing-up to the Stoptober challenge.”

As the regional map shows, it’s not just Monmouth who could benefit from quitting smoking this Stoptober, other regions whose annual smoking cost savings could buy them a Welsh international include:

•Cardiff City FC (£121 million) - Gareth Bale

•Swansea City FC (£85 million) - Gareth Bale

•Newport County FC (£51 million) - Aaron Ramsey

Stop Smoking Wales supports quitters in Wales through face to face sessions, a telephone service and its innovative online tool at www.stopsmokingwales.com/online. People who are interested in receiving free help from Stop Smoking Wales should visit Stopsmokingwales.com or call 0800 085 2219.

To sign up for the Stoptober challenge and receive a free starter pack, visit: www.stopsmokingwales.com/stoptober-4.

Stop Smoking Wales