HUNDREDS of Somerset families are facing their first Christmas without a loved one, after an estimated 886 people in Somerset lost their lives this year due to smoking-related illnesses, according to Smokefree South-West.

The group is keen to highlight not just the physical risks of smoking, but the emotional ones too, as the pain of losing a loved one can be especially poignant at Christmas.

Fiona Andrews, director of Smokefree South West, said: “It can be easy for a smoker to dismiss a cough or shortness of breath without a second thought.

“However that cough can become something much worse, and it will be far tougher for your loved ones to dismiss the sadness of losing their partner, father, mother, son or daughter because of a smoking related death.”

To quit smoking contact your local NHS Stop Smoking Services for practical help and advice, from tips on how to cope with cravings to finding the best tailor made way to quit. For more information visit www.nhs.uk/smokefree