We're supporting the Don't be the 1 campaign

If you smoke, you've probably tried to quit before. But a new campaign is warning at least 1 in every 2 long-term smokers will die from a smoking related disease.

Smoking cuts around 10 years off a person's life on average and causes 16 types of cancer, heart disease, dementia and stroke. The more you smoke and longer you wait to quit the worse the risk…

But the good news is that quitting smoking at any age dramatically reduces your risks and it is never too late to quit. Visit FreshQuit.co.uk

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is supporting the Don't be the 1 campaign from Fresh encouraging smokers all over the North East to put their health and family first and make 2023 the year to stop smoking.

Quitting also puts money in your pocket for household bills, fuel or food, or even a trip away. If you smoke 10 a day, you could be spending nearly £40 a week and around £1,600 a year.

While it can take a number of attempts to successfully stop for good, there are lots of ways to stop which can take a lot of the stress out of quitting.

Ailsa Rutter OBE, Director of Fresh and Balance, said: "It is easy to under-estimate the health risks from smoking and put quitting off to another time.  However, even a few cigarettes a day can cause cancer and heart disease.

"We are urging people to think about quitting for their family.  Too many people lose loved ones far too early. Make 2023 the year you quit smoking!"

Your chances are improved if you use a quitting aid or switching completely to vaping to reduce cravings. Stop Smoking Services can also help you develop a plan to help you stop for good.

Please visit the regional quit support website FreshQuit.co.uk - a platform of support and advice with links to local stop smoking services.