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Press releases
July 01 2007 Dedication is what we need World stop smoking record Attempt for July 1st Former Record Breakers presenter Cheryl Baker is spearheading the campaign which aims to get 100,000 people to quit smoking on July 1st, to coincide with the smoking ban. The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is urging smokers across England to unite and pledge to kick the habit and set a world record. Smokers simply text: I quit to 82222 and will receive a text message which will urge quitters to phone the QUIT helpline 0800 00 22 00. At the end of July, potential record breakers will receive a text from the Foundation to find out how they are getting on. Cheryl is recording a new version of the famous Record Breakers theme tune and the ‘dedication’ song which will be available as a text and ringtone to download from a special website: www.roycastle.org/iquit Cheryl Baker said, “It was 20 years ago when I used to present Record Breakers with my friend Roy Castle. He died from lung cancer due to passive smoking and many would say it was Roy who first brought the risks of second hand smoke to the attention of the general public. I cannot think of a more fitting testimony to Roy for the charity that has his name to be encouraging all these people to quit smoking. I wish them all the best of luck in this initiative which could save thousands of lives.” The idea for the campaign came from solicitor Robert Pocknell who is giving up with sister Gail and wanted to make a big impact. He contacted the foundation and enlisted their help and expertise in raising awareness and driving the initiative forward. Robert explained, “Gail and I have been smoking on and off since our early teens and have tried on numerous occasions to give up. Our friends in the pub have been having a laugh about the fact we’ll be out in the cold from July 1st so it seemed like the perfect time to try to give up. “Giving up is hard work but we felt it would be easier if lots of people gave up together and it was part of a world record. Also, it would be good to raise money for a good cause by texting everyday to remind yourself you are giving up. 25p is less than the cost of a cigarette and would go a long way to helping lung cancer sufferers and their families.” The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is the only charity in the UK dedicated to fighting lung cancer. The charity runs smoking cessation services and working with young people through KATS (kids against tobacco smoke) and ATYC (anti-tobacco youth campaign) to educate young people about the dangers of smoking. Chris Owens, head of tobacco control for the Foundation commented, “The smoking ban provides a trigger for smokers in England to give up – it’s like another new year’s day. It’s not an easy thing to achieve and you need as much support from friends and family as you can get. If people know there are thousands of other people giving up at the same time that will help keep them motivated. “To have the support of Cheryl is brilliant; she worked with Roy previously so is very supportive of the Foundation. If we can help smokers give up and raise some money to help us continue our work that will be fantastic achievement. “ ASH, the public health charity that works to eliminate the harm caused by tobacco is supporting the campaign. Martin Dockrell the charity’s policy and campaigns manager said “England will be a record breaker on July 1 when it becomes the biggest smokefree jurisdiction in the world. Literally millions of smokers in England are intending to quit and I'm hoping that being part of the biggest quit group in history will give extra team spirit to help them make this a record breaking success." The texts cost 25p, with 12p going to The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. The ring tones cost £2 with £1.10 going to the charity. Further information about the campaign and how to give up smoking log onto www.roycastle.org/iquit. Lloydspharmacy is working with the charity to provide support for smokers giving up. Information in available from all pharmacies and smokers can also sign a pledge card promising to give up. ENDS Issued by Weber Shandwick on behalf of The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation (Registered Charity 1046854) - for further media information please contact: Julie Cheston on 0161 238 9417, email: jcheston@webershandwick.com or Chris Dolan on 0161 238 9424 email cdolan@webershandwick.com For more information please contact Caroline Flint MP, Minister of State for Public Health, will visit Lloydspharmacy’s new Vauxhall outlet at 1pm on Thursday 7th June. Media are invited to attend. Brief interviews with the Minister can be arranged. Justin Ash and Andy Murdock will also be available for interview. The address is: 8 Flafstaff House, St Georges Wharf, Vauxhall, London, SW8 2LE. If you are interested in attending please contact Stieve De Lance or Steve Marinker. NOTES TO EDITOR About The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is the only charity in the world wholly dedicated to defeating lung cancer – the biggest cancer killer in the UK. The charity’s approach benefits current and future lung cancer sufferers alike:
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