Published on 2 June 2026
A Knowsley mum’s journey to finally quit smoking has inspired a powerful new campaign from public health leaders in Cheshire and Merseyside.
Launched last week, Stop For Good urges smokers across the region to make another attempt to quit – no matter how many times they may have tried before. It aims to raise awareness of the serious health risks associated with tobacco use and, importantly, support people in taking positive steps toward a smoke-free future.
The campaign comes as independent research commissioned by NHS Cheshire and Merseyside reveals how more than a quarter (26%) of smokers say their main reason for wanting to quit is their family and friends, while 19% say they are worried about the example smoking sets for their children.
And, among those triggered by the thought of leaving their loved ones too soon was Julie Connor, from Kirkby, who quit smoking following a health scare and the desire to watch her son grow up.
After her eight-year-old son spotted her with a cigarette and questioned why she was smoking, Julie knew she had to stop.
Now, Julie is determined to encourage others to quit smoking, with her story playing a central role in the campaign’s television advert. Adding a personal touch, the advert is voiced by her son, Curtis.
Julie, 33, said: “I had never smoked around Curtis before as I didn’t want to set a bad example, so I always made sure he was well away. However, there was one occasion when he caught me in the garden with a cigarette and I suddenly thought to myself, ‘what am I doing?’
“I’d already started to notice that I was feeling out of breath and couldn’t run around with him – I just felt very unhealthy and unfit.
“Around that time, I also had a cancer scare – thankfully, everything was okay but it was a real wake-up call for me. I’m all Curtis has and I couldn’t face the idea of leaving him without a mum.
“Now that I’ve stopped smoking, I can play football with him, my skin’s a lot better and I feel healthier in myself.
“If you’re thinking of trying to quit and you feel you can’t do it for yourself, then do it for your children. If not for your children, for your family – just give it a try.”
Across Cheshire and Merseyside, up to two in three smokers’ lives are cut short by the habit, claiming 74,600 lives each year across the country. Around 50% of smokers living here say they “really want to quit” with a further 21% saying that they know they should.
As part of Stop For Good, a powerful new advert shows the potential impact that smoking can have, with a young boy telling the story of his mum’s multiple attempts to stop smoking.
Viewers are shown the child clutching a single rose as a hearse passes by. However, in a positive twist, his mum then appears healthy and well, now that she has finally stopped for good.
In a deeply personal touch, Julie’s son, Curtis, also did the voiceover for the advert.
Dr Sarah McNulty, Director of Public Health for Knowsley and Lead Director of Public Health for Cheshire and Merseyside’s All Together Smokefree programme, said: “We know that it can take multiple attempts to give up smoking and that, for many people, it can be challenging.
“However, the Stop For Good campaign is all about giving people hope that quitting is still possible and that there is support available. With this campaign, we wanted to show the ultimate price that smokers may pay if they continue to smoke and the impact that this could have on the people they love the most.
“Julie’s story is the perfect example of how quitting can improve your health and overall lifestyle, and that there are numerous benefits when you stop for good.”
Professor Ian Ashworth, Director of Population Health for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, added: “Smoking is still the biggest single cause of preventable illness and early death in Cheshire and Merseyside, with 2 in 3 smokers dying too soon unless they quit. However, stories like Julie’s can be more powerful and effective than any stat could ever be. We hope that, in sharing her journey, she will inspire others to think about their own smoking habits and try to quit.”
For further information about the campaign and support on how to quit, visit: https://smokingendshere.com/