Arlene and Josephine have backed the Stopathon campaign as they look to bin the cigarettes before No Smoking Day

With a combined habit of around 70 years, the duo have been working with the NHS Forth Valley’s Stop Smoking Service and local pharmacists during the recent Stopathon campaign.

They are among the hundreds of local smokers who have come forward and pledged to quit by the March 9.

Arlene Edgar said: “I’ve smoked for 30 years and decided it was time to do it for my health. I have tried several times before and failed - but not this time.”

Josephine Hughes started smoking more than 40 years year ago but had never really tried to stop before.

She added: “Going to the stop smoking clinic at Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre really supported me to finally quit and I feel much better for it.”

The Stopathon campaign has been well received with cessation advisers and their dedicated health partners.

It provides one-to-one, telephone and text support to people and offers free alternatives to tobacco such as patches and gum as well as other nicotine replacement therapy products.

Feasting on strawberries instead of cigarettes, is just one of the methods former smokers have adopted to help quit.

Marie Phin, NHS Forth Valley stop smoking adviser, said: “Giving up smoking is one of the most important decisions to help improve your health.

"Letting people know about the local services available to help people quit will help reduce the number of smoking related illnesses across Forth Valley.

"It is also very important that we try to protect the next generation from starting to smoke and give them the best start in life.”

It is estimated that around 60,000 adults in Forth Valley are smokers but local NHS staff can support around 1,600 people each year who are trying to quit.

This time last year, Alva woman Kathy Graham said the cessation service helped her to ditch her 20-a-day habit, despite her being a smoker her entire adult life.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have also shown support for No Smoking Day, in an effort to reduce the number of preventable fires in the country.

Assistant Chief Officer Robert Scott said: “We all know that smoking seriously affects your health and your wealth, but many people are unaware it is the main cause of deaths through fire in the home.

“The simple fact is that deciding to quit smoking will make it less likely you and others in your home will be injured or killed in a fire."

To speak to a local stop smoking adviser or for help to stop please call 01786 433293 or email FV-UHB.FVStopSmokingService@nhs.net

You can also visit the NHS Forth Valley website www.nhsforthvalley.com/health-services/stop-smoking-service-clinics for further information in the local area.