The HSE has thanked the family of Gerry Collins, who died from tobacco-related lung cancer a year ago today.
Mr Collins features in it's anti smoking campaign - QUIT.
The HSE says he and his family made a courageous and unique contribution to the health and wellbeing of our society by allowing us to share their most difficult days during 2013 and 2014.
Its estimated that over 200,000 attempts at quitting smoking were made since the ads started
In 2014 alone there were 70,000 less smokers in Ireland than the previous year.
When Gerry launched the ad in January 2014, he said 'There were three reasons I decided I wanted to do this - firstly it was for myself; a positive thing for me to invest my energy in while dealing with my cancer. Secondly, I thought it would be good for my family, creating something powerful and meaningful for my kids to look back on. And finally, if even one person stops smoking because of what we've done, then it will all be worth it for me.’
He ended the QUIT campaign ads with a simple appeal to smokers -‘Don’t smoke, don’t start, and if you have, stop.’
Dave Molloy, HSE National Tobacco Lead said 'This week, we will mark Gerry’s anniversary by sharing a short film made last year about his experience, on our website and on our Facebook page, You can QUIT, and we will also be placing thank you messages in some national papers. We would like to invite anyone who was touched by Gerry’s message, or who quit smoking because of his story, to comment and share their thanks online with Gerry’s incredibly generous and brave family.’
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