Government hails success of Stoptober 2013

Public Health England has revealed new statistics that underline the success of this year's Stoptober smoking cessation challenge.

Commencing on October 1st 2013 and running for 28 days, the event saw nearly a quarter of a million people across England and Wales kicking the habit for four weeks, thereby greatly increasing their chances of giving up cigarettes for good.

This is an improvement on the inaugural Stoptober campaign in 2012, which saw more than 160,000 people successfully completing the four-week challenge, making it five times more likely they will stay smoke-free.

It is estimated that smokers could save 1,696 pounds a year by abstaining, in addition to the widely-known health benefits and longer life expectancy associated with quitting.

Actress and singer Kelsey-Beth Crossley, who took part in and helped to publicise the initiative, said: "I did find the 28 days a real challenge – especially to begin with – but knowing so many other people were going through the same thing was really motivating and encouraging."

The campaign followed a government initiative earlier this year to highlight the dangers caused by smoking inside the home or cars.