WUTH Launches Digital Pledge Wall for No Smoking Day

To mark No Smoking Day on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) encouraged staff, patients, and visitors to commit to a smoke-free future through a digital pledge wall, reinforcing this year’s theme: “Take Back Your Life.”

The pledge wall, accessible online and shared across social media with the hashtag #TakeBackYourLifeNSD, invited participants to share what they would do (or had already done) with the time, money, and health they regained by quitting smoking. Whether it was spending more time with loved ones, improving their health, or taking up a new hobby, each pledge served as a personal motivator and inspiration for others.

Featured in a video for the Take Back Your Life Campaign, actress and TV presenter Kym Marsh emphasised that maintaining her health for her family was a priority. She said: “It’s super important for me to stay healthy when I’ve got three, cheeky little grandchildren who keep me on my toes.”

Dylan Edwards, WUTHs Smoke Free Strategic Lead, said: “Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions a person can make for their health, and it’s never too late to start. Research shows that for every cigarette you stop smoking, you can add up to 20 minutes to your life. So, by quitting smoking, individuals aren’t just improving their health in the long term—they’re immediately gaining more time to live and enjoy life. Our digital pledge wall was a simple yet powerful way for individuals to reflect on these benefits and inspire each other to take that first step towards a healthier future.”

Recent research from University College London has shown that each cigarette smoked can reduce life expectancy by approximately 20 minutes. Conversely, quitting smoking can help individuals reclaim lost time, underscoring the powerful benefits of taking that first step toward a smoke-free life.

WUTH are committed to being a strictly no-smoking site, ensuring that both patients and staff can enjoy a smoke-free environment. This initiative was part of our ongoing effort to support those who wanted to quit smoking and improve their well-being.

 The pledge wall was live from March 12, 2025, and can still be accessed at: WUTH No Smoking Day Pledge Wall