LONDON, December 11 /PRNewswire/ --
- There's 15,000 Holiday Euros for the European Quitter!
The search is on for the first European Smoke Free Quitter of the Year 2008 who will be awarded the title and holiday vouchers worth 15,000 Euros. Eleven countries are participating including the UK and they will all choose a representative who will win a trip to the Award ceremony in Amsterdam in September 2008. You can also nominate a health care professional that has helped smokers quit and a public figure that has made an impact on smoking policy. To enter or nominate apply on line at http://www.quit.org.uk or ring Quitline 0800 002200
Pfizer are sponsoring the European Smoke Free Awards 2008 to acknowledge the most inspirational quitters, supporters and policy makers.
The Awards are being launched on December 11th in Italy. Steve Crone, chairman of the European Network of Quitlines said, "We are looking for Europeans who have already quit or who are prepared to register and quit. We need inspirational stories that will inspire others across Europe. There has never been a better time to quit with so many clinically proven treatments available and excellent support from a range of health care professionals including Quitline counsellors and GPs."
Smokers and ex-smokers have until January 31st 2008 to register or enter. Quitters then have to remain smoke free until July 31st. The most inspirational stories will be contacted to go through to the next stage.
Recent surveys conducted among smokers and doctors have highlighted the importance of the role of the healthcare professional in helping smokers to quit:
- The SUPPORT survey (Smoking: Understanding People's Perceptions, Opinions and Reaction to Tobacco) revealed that while a majority of smokers do not currently discuss quitting with their doctor, most do believe consultation would improve their chances of quitting.
- Over two thirds of smokers who attempted to quit without the help of their doctor agreed that quitting is the hardest thing they have ever attempted to do in their life.
- In a similar survey STOP (Smoking: The Opinion of Physicians), 8 out of 10 doctors agreed that smoking is a chronic, relapsing medical condition, and we should encourage more smokers to quit.
All the winners will be announced after the Award ceremony (September 2008) on each countries website. Rules of entry are also on the websites.
Photographs and case studies are available on request
For more details about the Awards in the UK or the European Awards as a whole, on Monday 10th/Tuesday 11th Dec please contact Glyn McIntosh on +44(0)7958-795199, or Kate Spicer +44(0)7814-606799. From 12th onwards, please call +44(0)207-553-3266/3267. For information about Pfizer please contact Oliver Stohlmann on +43-6643350485
For more details about the Awards in the UK or the European Awards as a whole, on Monday 10th/Tuesday 11th Dec please contact Glyn McIntosh on +44(0)7958-795199, or Kate Spicer +44(0)7814-606799. From 12th onwards, please call +44(0)207-553-3266/3267. For information about Pfizer please contact Oliver Stohlmann on +43-6643350485
Comments