Dragon’s Den star lends his support to No Smoking Day

The businessman Duncan Bannatyne, famed for his role in Dragon’s Den, has lent his support to national No Smoking Day, which takes place today.

The investor, who rose from humble beginnings to become a multi-millionaire, said that his father’s death from smoking-related emphysema partly inspired his decision to become involved with anti-smoking efforts. An ex-smoker himself, he once puffed on 30 cigarettes a day, but was able to quit. His method for success? Simply willpower, he revealed.

Bannatyne says that the government needs to take greater action to promote smoking cessation. Children in particular should be protected from the harmful risks of smoke, he argued, calling for “a ban on adults smoking in cars when children are present, and a ban on unattended cigarette machines that children could have access to”.

The Dragon is not the only one marking No Smoking Day, and in fact far from it. According to organisers, a massive 1 million smokers will be giving up across the country today.

Some of these people may be tempted to pick up their cigarettes again. But for others, it will be the start of a smoke-free lifetime. They will drastically reduce their risk of developing harmful – and potentially fatal – health conditions including lung cancer, heart disease and impotence.

For those who feel Bannatyne’s recommendation of using willpower to jump off the smoking bandwagon won’t be enough support, nicotine patches, medications like Champix, and personal support from friends and family will all be invaluable aids to different people.

Today marks the 27th national No Smoking Day. If you are giving up today, we wish you the best of luck.