After ten years and approximately 36,500 cigarettes, I am giving up smoking for two reasons:
1. I would like to receive a letter from my mother that did not contain a clipping from the Daily Telegraph about the gruesome effects of smoking. The usual correspondence reads, "Hi Darling. Hope you're well. Enclosed an article about slow and painful smoking-related deaths. Enjoy!"
2. I've read so many clippings from The Daily Telegraph about slow and painful smoking-related deaths, I've decided I'd rather die naturally. Or even be hit by a bus.
There is one slight problem. I don't fulfil the essential criteria for successful abstention. Every advert, every resource, every sanctimonious ex-smoker has just one thing to say on the subject: "You have to want to give up." Well, I don't. I really, really like smoking. It's my favourite thing in the whole world. Ouch. My second favourite thing.
So I need a serious incentive to bolster my milk-livered willpower, and that's where you come in. Hit the 'Pay on Completion' button above and sponsor me to stay off the ciggies. If I've not had a cigarette by 1 May 2005, your card will be debited. If I fail, I pledge to pay the entire total to charity on your behalf.
So there's the incentive. The more you sponsor me, the more a cigarette will cost me, the less likely I am to lapse. So dig deep. You're saving my life.
Your money (or mine, as the case may be) is going to a great cause. The Refugee Council provides advice, support and essential welfare to thousands of refugees, and promotes tolerance and understanding of their plight. Are you listening, Michael Howard?
So please give whatever you can through this online fundraising page. If you are a UK taxpayer, your donation will be increased by 28% at no cost to you.
Find out how I'm getting on at www.ceruleansmoke.blogspot.com
thanks everyone,
j.x
Raised:
81%
Raised so far: £812.00
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be sure to stay stopped when you reach your target. We're told that's also hard. Best wishes. Donation by Pat 'n Rog on 07/02/05 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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I'm proud of you James! You can do it! x Donation by Claire L on 04/02/05 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Pwb Lwc James! Donation by Jase on 04/02/05 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Good on you James, I take it you won't be audtioning for a part in The Smoking Room Donation by Mex Ibrahim on 03/02/05 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Dave Freeman on 03/02/05 |
£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid |
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From "milk-livered man" to healthy-livered man. Two good causes. Good luck. Donation by Laura M on 03/02/05 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Hope it works - just think of the money you'll save! Donation by Ric on 02/02/05 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Congratulations! November 17 2004 was my quit day. The first few days suck and then it gets better Donation by Kurt on 01/02/05 |
£20.00 |
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I hope quitting is as easy as this online donation! Donation by Thos Niles on 01/02/05 |
£10.00 |
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I'll get you pesky kids! Donation by P. Morris on 01/02/05 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Grant McKenna on 01/02/05 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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May this bring about the financial ruin of Marlboro... Donation by George on 01/02/05 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Anonymous on 01/02/05 |
£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid |
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good luck! Donation by Olive Montgomery on 01/02/05 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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glad you read all those newspaper cuttings! good luck - the next letter will be free of Daily Telegraph clippings! Donation by Mum on 01/02/05 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Good timing, we just got paid! Have faith James, you'll be an ex smoker yet. Donation by Alison on 01/02/05 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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Best of luck with it! You are a better man than I. Would leave a longer message, but going for a fag Donation by Ben Lingard on 01/02/05 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Good on you, James! Donation by Elizabeth Kessick on 01/02/05 |
£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid |
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I'll give up with you. Hope your willpower is stronger than mine! Donation by Caro on 31/01/05 |
£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid |
| * Total raised online: | £812.00 |
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| Offline donations: | £0.00 |
| Mobile donations: | £0.00 |
| Total Raised: | £812.00 |
| Gift Aid plus supplement: | £220.56 |
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