THE HSE HAS released two more ads featuring campaigner Gerry Collins, who died at the weekend following a battle with lung cancer.
The 57-year-old father of three died on Sunday surrounded by his family. The HSE believe his ads have helped 60,000 people attempt to quit this year.
The new ads, which were published online today, see the Wicklow man reflecting his three children and what he loves and admires about them.
“I’ll miss my kids,” the businessman and former GAA coach says. “I will miss not being there when they might need me”.
(Youtube: HSE Ireland)
In the third and final ad, Gerry talks about what he is grateful for in life…
(Youtube: HSE Ireland)
The second two ads in the series were always intended to be broadcast this week to coincide with National No Smoking Day, a HSE spokesperson said.
The original versions of the clips were re-edited in recent days in light of Gerry’s death on Sunday, and they’re being aired on TV today in accordance with the Collins family and Gerry’s wishes.
According to the HSE:
Gerry’s QUIT campaign adverts were created on the shared understanding with Gerry and his family that they would continue to be used after Gerry’s death.
Director General of the Health Services, Tony O’Brien, said that Gerry and his family had made a “unique contribution to the health and wellbeing” of Irish society by working on the campaign.
Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe, HSE National Director for Health & Wellbeing, said:
“Quitting smoking is the best thing that you can do for your health, and if you use one the range of support services available, you can as much as double your chances of your quit attempt succeeding.“Also, if you’ve tried before and it didn’t work, remember most smokers make several attempts before quitting for good. The trick is to keep on trying, because the change you can bring about in your health and your life is worth it.”
The QUITLINE can be contacted on 1800 201 203. There’s also a Facebook support group.
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