Smoking Bulls urged to Quit

Hereford United supporters who smoke are being urged to quit the habit and help their team.

SMOKERS URGED TO SIGN UP TO QUIT
AND HELP THEIR TEAM

A new NHS campaign is calling on football fans in the West Midlands to help their team win the league – by giving up smoking.

When smokers sign up online to Smokefree United they are also helping their team rise up the sites’ virtual Premier League, Championship, League 1, League 2 or Blue Square Premier in return for advice and support about quitting. The more fans who register at www.smokefree.nhs.uk/united, the higher their team’s position.

Top of the Premier League in the region so far is Villa with Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Stoke behind. In the Championship the leader is West Bromwich Albion, who actually have more quitters than Premier League rivals Wolves, followed by Coventry City. In League One the leading local team is Walsall and League Two it’s Shrewsbury Town.

Nationally, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal fans lead the way so more quitters are needed from the West Midlands to move their club up the table and above their Midlands rivals.

Any smoker signing up will get a free football and be entered into a draw to win the opportunity to play football on their favourite team’s pitch. Smokefree United is supported by talkSPORT presenters and ex Republic of Ireland and England players Andy Townsend and Ian Wright. Fans can check out their hints and tips online and take part in forums and web discussions with other quitters.

Paul Hooper from the Department of Health said: “The NHS stop smoking service is free and you’re four times more likely to quit with our support. There are teams of people who can help you while you go through the process and Smokefree United is a great way to get ongoing advice and support. You’ll get more out of your game in the long run and it is the best thing you can do for your family and your health.”

In addition to visiting www.smokefree.nhs.uk/united those looking for further information can call the free NHS Smoking Helpline any day of the week on 0800 022 4332. The helpline can provide information on what stop smoking medicines are available, advice on managing cravings and details of your local stop smoking service.

The standings in the West Midlands ‘mini league’ at 04 November:

Team No of quitters
Aston Villa....36
West Bromwich Albion....14
Birmingham City....13
Coventry City....9
Wolverhampton Wanderers....8
Stoke City....6
Shrewsbury Town....5
Walsall....3
Hereford United....2
Port Vale....2
Burton Albion....0
Kidderminster Harriers....0
Tamworth....0

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