BORDERS MSP Rachael Hamilton is backing ASH Scotland’s campaign by urging Borderers to make a quit smoking attempt to benefit their health, wellbeing, and personal finances.

On national No Smoking Day (Wednesday 8th March) the MSP is supporting the ‘Quit and Win’ campaign, which highlights the benefits that quitting can bring, such as decreasing the risk of heart disease, lung cancer and stroke.

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New research also suggests that the average Scottish household containing people who smoke could save £3,308 within 12 months of quitting smoking.

Ms Hamilton said she was ‘pleased’ to be supporting ASH Scotland’s campaign, and added that although she knows how difficult quitting can be for some people, help is at hand.

She said: “I am pleased to be supporting ASH Scotland’s ‘Quit and Win’ campaign, and would urge Borderers who smoke to reach out to our local ‘Quit Your Way’ services.

“I completely understand how difficult it can be to give up smoking. But this year’s No Smoking Day is the perfect opportunity to taking the first step.

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“Services in the Borders provide free support and can help you to develop a personalised quit plan.

“If you’ve tried to give up before, don’t be discouraged as it can take a few attempts to find what works for you. Quitting is the best thing you can do for your health, finances and your family and friends.”

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland Said: “We are delighted to have Rachael Hamilton’s support for our ‘Quit and Win’ campaign on No Smoking Day.

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“Tobacco is a major cause of inequalities and it is more important than evert that people in the Borders facing every day stresses during the cost of living crisis are empowered to access expert smoking cessation support that is freely available from the NHS.

“Using Quit Your Way services can have huge positive impacts on quit smoking attempts and will significantly boost people’s health and finances when they succeed.”