Andy Burnham backs Stoptober smoking campaign

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham is encouraging smokers across Greater Manchester to kick the habit as part of this year’s Stoptober campaign.

The annual Public Health England campaign – which is now in its sixth year and is also being supported by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) – encourages people to quit smoking during the month of October and offers a range of free support.

Research shows that if you stop smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to go smoke-free for good.

Mr Burnham said: “This year in Greater Manchester Stoptober is bigger than ever – we want to encourage everyone who smokes here to quit together from 1 October.

“The latest success rates show that advances in support and a stronger anti-smoking culture are leading to more people successfully stopping smoking.

"I am always impressed at anyone who successfully manages to quit smoking and I hope to congratulate many more come the end of Stoptober as Greater Manchester gets behind those taking on the 28-day challenge. Good luck.”

Smoking is the primary cause of preventable illness and premature death in the UK, causing cancers including lung, mouth, throat, stomach and liver cancer, as well as respiratory disease and heart disease and increasing problems such as asthma.

There are lots of ways to quit smoking and Stoptober can help people choose what works for them. Stoptober offers a range of free support to help people on their journey.