BB-eware of harm cigarettes cause (PICTURES)
CELEBRITY twins Sam and Amanda Marchant are urging other young people to think about how smoking can affect their looks and health.
The girly duo from Knutton, who shot to fame on Big Brother 2007, are promoting new NHS services for smokers wanting to kick the habit.
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QUIT NOW: Sam and Amanda Marchant help to promote the anti-smoking service in Newcastle.
NHS North Staffordshire has launched group and one-to-one sessions in community centres across the area, in conjunction with the Liverpool-based Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
It means people no longer have to go to the doctors for anti-smoking medication or to seek advice from professionals.
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Pictures of Sam and Amanda since they appeared on Big Brother 2008
The 20-year-olds were in Newcastle on Saturday to highlight the new service for young people.
They are now living in London and have recently modelled Knickerbox's Valentine underwear range. They have also been performing as funky house DJs across the country and are looking at launching their own fashion label.
Amanda said: "We've never smoked and never will. It is not nice.
"My mum smokes and we're always trying to encourage her to give up." Sam added: "I hate smoking. I do not like the idea of all the smoke going in and out of your body.
"A lot of young people get involved in smoking because of peer pressure so we want to show them what harm it can do."
An anti-smoking stand on Saturday included a display of Sam and Amanda's faces. Computer technology then highlighted the difference in appearance between a smoking and non-smoking Sam and Amanda at different stages in their lives.
Tony Bullock, from NHS North Staffordshire's health improvement team, said: "We wanted to use Sam and Amanda to drum home to young people how smoking can affect your looks.
"Many know of the health effects of smoking, yet are unaware of the wrinkles it can cause."
Latest figures show one in four people – 60,000 – smoke in North Staffordshire.
About 1,300 quit last year and NHS North Staffordshire wants to reach 2,000 people this year.
That will be helped by 20 support sessions a week operating by April, including one-to-one, group and over-the-phone support.
Mr Bullock added: "Research has shown that you are four times more likely to succeed with our support than if you just use willpower."
About 400 people in North Staffordshire die every year through smoking-related illnesses.
Resident Gavin Proctor, who was in Newcastle on Saturday, thinks getting the twins involved in the anti-smoking programme is a good idea.
The 30-year-old, from Maple Avenue, Kidsgrove, said: "I have smoked socially in the past like most people.
"I think when you are younger you don't consider the effects on your health.
"But it is a disgusting habit. It can have awful effects on your looks, especially your teeth."
A similar anti-smoking event takes place in Leek on Friday, but Sam and Amanda will not be present.
For more information call 0800 195 2131.
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by Warren, pits 'n' pots. com
Tuesday, January 13 2009, 10:36AM
“In the region of £90,000, dont these two breanless wounders will get that that, but just think how meny hip replacements that will pay for. Why do the NHS keep ploughing money into this kind of thing, there will always be daft pepole who insist on smokeing, knowing full well its a killer. I'd just let them get on with it, just so long its not round me that is. I say ban it in puplic, only place you can smoke is your own home.”
by Michelle, Stoke Area
Tuesday, January 13 2009, 9:34AM
“I wasnt name calling just stating a fact of today people moaning about celebs AGAIN.
Who as said that some of the money is NOT going towards the drugs are you a doctor now WM didnt think so???”
by Anthony, Mount Pleasant
Monday, January 12 2009, 11:02PM
“Will somebody get these pair of talentless cretins off our screens soon.”
by WM, Stoke
Monday, January 12 2009, 5:50PM
“Huh?
#1: Did I moan about anything? No I didn't. I just stated the fact that this probably involved self-promotion.
#2: On the other hand, if you bother to research Andy's comments, you'll see that some celebrities are being paid in the region of £90,000 just to put their faces to NHS campaigns.
If you're happy with sums like £90,000 of taxpayers money to go to celebrities for a few hours work, instead of on expensive drugs and treatments for those (often terminally ill) who can't access them then fine.
But you'll be thanked to keep your nasty little bouts of childish namecalling to yourself if other taxpayers choose to criticise the situation.”
by Michelle, Stoke Area
Monday, January 12 2009, 2:48PM
“Does it matter if the girls got paid or not? At the end of the day WM and Andy they have a job to do just like you do in your jobs (if you have one?) but if you do im sure you wouldnt go to work for nothing?? At the end of the day the girls are trying to get across to the younger generation not the likes of two old moaners who have nothing better to do than moan about what and when celebs get paid. Get a life people if for the kids not you.”