Get fighting fit!

Boxers from Oldham Boxing and Personal Development Centre (who both smoke) put the message across — coach Charlie Henson (left) and Daniel Brophy.

FUTURE Ricky Hattons could be boxing clever if they get help to quit the habit from the specialist stop smoking service.

NHS Oldham has stepped into the ring to help members of Oldham Boxing and Personal Development Centre in Derker who may not realise their habit is stopping from realising their full potential.

Nomir Haris, the stop smoking advisor who will be running the sessions, said: “Even if people seem in good physical shape, if they smoke they won’t be able to do sports as well as they could because smoking decreases a person’s endurance.

“A healthy heart and lungs are needed for maximum endurance and smoking is harmful to both the heart and the lungs. We will be offering support during the sessions for six weeks and we hope by the end of this, the boxers will see they can be much fitter and healthy if they stop.”

Eric Noi, director of Oldham Boxing and Personal Development Centre, said: “We want our boxers to be as fit as they can be so if possible, they can go on to do bigger and better things in the sport. Boxing can also help with confidence and if they are giving it their all, then it will help them to fell more like they’ve achieved something.”

The Oldham specialist stop smoking service is always on the lookout for new ways to help people quit smoking by getting out into the community.

The support offered by the service has been designed based on sound clinical evidence and best practice.

Trained stop smoking advisers offer tailored support and non-judgemental advice and will assist a smoker in deciding which treatment is most appropriate for them.

And they can provide access to the latest and best treatments, ensuring the physical addiction is managed and allowing smokers to focus on conquering the emotional habit.

Support provided includes help setting a quit date, encouragement and support which is tailored to individuals’ needs as well as advice on stop smoking medicines, available free on prescription.

Sessions will run every Monday from 11am at Oldham Boxing Gymnasium in Derker Road.

For more information about support to stop smoking, contact Oldham specialist stop smoking service on 0800 328 8534.