Worthington Says 'It's Time To Quit'

Nigel Worthington, NI Football Manager has joined the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) to ask thousands of smokers in Northern Ireland to quit the habit on No Smoking Day - Wednesday 9th March.

Speaking at the launch, Nigel Worthington said: "I am delighted to help support UCF to promote this year's No Smoking Day alongside the Irish FA's Child and Player Welfare Department.

"It just wouldn't be possible for any smoker to reach peak fitness whether in the professional or amateur game.

"This is the message that the Child and Player Welfare Department will be sending out in the lead up to No Smoking Day in our local clubs.

"Any young player serious about their sport will play harder and last longer if they don't smoke," he said.

The top soccer manager is pictured here with Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, UCF, which co-ordinates No Smoking Day in Northern Ireland who said: "Some 24% of adults in Northern Ireland smoke and research has shown that over two thirds of them would like to stop.

"This year’s theme, 'Time to Quit?', acknowledges that No Smoking Day is one of the best times for smokers to escape their addiction. We are encouraging smokers to think ahead and make No Smoking Day, Wednesday 9th March, the day that their smoke-free life begins.

"Stopping smoking is the most important thing that you can do to improve your health but it requires commitment and planning.

"We provide weekly stop smoking support services in a number of settings including GP practices, community centres and workplaces," he explained.

"Our stop smoking services are very informal and offer individual and group support.

"We talk about smoking habits, tips for giving up and how to cope with cravings. We have provided almost 30 clinics at numerous venues in the last year and helped over 50% of those attending to stop smoking within four weeks," the UCF representative explained.

(BMcC/GK)