Did you give up smoking during Stoptober?
Nearly a quarter of a million people in England and Wales turned their back on their cigarettes this month to reap the financial, social and health benefits from taking part in the mass 28-day stop smoking challenge, Stoptober.
Research shows that stopping smoking for 28 days can extend your life by up to one week if you remain smokefree. The new ex-smokers across England and Wales are therefore celebrating their first steps towards a healthier, smokefree life, and if they succeed in quitting for good, they could collectively add as much as 4,700 years of life to the population.
However, taking part in Stoptober has delivered even more than the health benefits, there are major savings in time and money:
- The average smoker has 13 cigarettes a day, which equates to 364 cigarettes every four weeks. Stoptober would have saved them £141 each over four weeks, and if they remain smokefree, they could save £423 by Christmas and £1,696 in a year. Collectively, if all Stoptober participants quit for the 28 days this month they would have saved over £34.5 million
- With the average cigarette taking approximately 4 minutes to smoke, this Stoptober could have saved the average smoker over 24 hours by not smoking; and cumulatively Stoptober participants would have gained over 680 years in spare time
Backed by a huge number of supporters - including celebrities, charities, sports clubs and stop smoking services - Stoptober has helped thousands of people try and stay free from cigarettes through support packs, a 28 day app, social media activities and tips and advice from a host of celebrity well-wishers.
Actress and singer Kelsey-Beth Crossley, took on the 28 day stop smoking challenge to improve her health and protect her singing voice. Commenting on her quit attempt, Kelsey-Beth said:
"I did find the 28 days a real challenge – especially to begin with – but knowing so many other people were going through the same thing was really motivating and encouraging.
“Well done to everyone who has managed to get through 28 days smokefree – long may it continue and good luck for the future.”
Joanne Eccles, 40 from Gateshead said: "Completing the 28 day challenge is a massive triumph and I feel a real sense of achievement. It wasn't easy but all the support from friends and family really helped me along the way.
“What's even better is I have saved over £200 and now I am going to take the kids away for a weekend...I can't believe how much money I used to waste every month."
Stoptober started on 1 October 2013 and runs for 28 days. Research shows that those who stop smoking for 28 days are five times more likely to stay smokefree. Last year saw over 160,000 people successfully complete the four-week challenge.
It is not too late to start your own 28-day challenge – for more information and to download the Stoptober app visit www.stoptober.smokefree.nhs.uk.