The HSE’s QUIT campaign launched a new TV advert at the beginning of the new year, featuring an emotive message from Gerry Collins from Greystones in Co. Wicklow, who has terminal lung cancer caused by smoking.

In 2011, Gerry Collins was one of three people featured in the QUIT campaign’s films and TV adverts, telling his story of recovery from tobacco-related throat cancer. Sadly last Summer Gerry contacted the HSE to inform them that he had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, and to ask if this new chapter in his story could form a new phase of the QUIT campaign. Dr Fenton Howell, National Tobacco Control Advisor said evidence shows that testimonials like Gerry’s have a track record of being hugely effective in smoking cessation campaigns. To find out more about this new QUIT campaign click here.