No Smoking Day: 157,000 quit smoking in North West

Around 157,000 people in the North West quit smoking last year, with new figures showing 55% of Greater Manchester smokers want to give up. The data comes as the region pushes toward its 2030 smokefree target, backed by a hard-hitting campaign showing what smoking takes away.

Retired teacher Phil from Manchester started smoking as a teenager and only discovered he had COPD after a routine check-up. Later diagnosed with lung cancer, he's now sharing his story to encourage others to quit, especially for their families.

Health officials say smokers are three times more likely to quit successfully with support, and it's never too late to see health benefits. Free local help is available through stop smoking services across Greater Manchester.

The 'What Will You Miss?' campaign runs across TV, radio and social media, asking people to think about the moments smoking could steal from them. With 82% of local smokers starting before 18, the focus is on prevention and support.