Bid to get 1,000 smokers to give up

A specialist counsellor is aiming to help 1,000 people give up smoking in the space of just three hours.

The mass event at the Pavilion in Bath will also be a major fundraiser for a cancer charity.

It is the idea of Tessa Kirby, who runs Energy by Tessa in London Road.

Ms Kirby, 66, who uses various techniques to change the way people think about smoking, will stage the event in January.

A session would usually cost more than £100 but she will be charging just £25 for this event.

She said the price was less than the cost of 100 cigarettes.

Ms Kirby, who trained alongside TV presenter Paul McKenna, said: "There are so many people out there who really want to stop smoking, but are scared of the usual side-effects, like irritability and possible weight gain.

"My techniques are pleasant and drug-free, with none of the pain and trauma usually associated with quitting.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the Pavilion full in January.

"I also want to reach a wider audience as there are people who want to quit but can't necessarily afford the prices I normally charge.

"This is an opportunity for anybody who wants to quit to do so with me."

Ms Kirby was a smoker for 30 years until the age of 50, giving up when she had two heart attacks.

She said: "It was a massive shock to the system and I decided to quit. I didn't use any patches, gum or hypnotherapy and quit cold turkey; I was an absolute nightmare to live with.

"I know what these people are going through and how hard giving up can really be as I have experienced it first hand.

"But in my sessions people don't become ex-smokers – they become non-smokers.

"There is a real difference."

She is determined to help as many people as possible kick the habit.

And she said she had a success rate of 90 per cent for her one-to-one sessions and more than 80 for groups.

She said: "My techniques are reliable as they have longevity.

"For me to succeed, people must want to quit, and if they do not want to do it then I will not even see them.

"I want to help the community and make a difference and it is all about changing people's attitudes."

All proceeds from the event will go towards Macmillan Cancer Support.

The event, which will take place on Saturday, January 11 from 2.30pm, has been organised by events company Fab!.

For tickets contact 0844 4154880 or visit www.fab-1.org.uk.