In February, I will be saying good bye to an old friend….It’s been one of my less turbulent relationships actually – they’ve never spoken back, questioned my taste or mocked my music choices  – and they’ve been with me thirteen years -  through thick and thin; the highs (happily), the lows (poutily), for both a healthy proportion of the ins, as well as the outs, obviously.  

But the time has come, amis -  I’m finally going to breath easy and say good bye to my beloved Marlboro lights.  No one wants to end up looking like Donatella...

At this stage – I’m terrified; it’s rather like trying to imagine the Muppets without Jim Henson; but luckily it is eminently achievable because a) will power b) hypnotherapy c) I’m British.    

I would be most grateful if you would consider sponsoring me; I am raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust, a very important cause for all of my family.  The plan is:

 - I will have stopped by the 1st of February.

 - If I have not, I will return your donations, match them and donate the total raised to the TCT in a shower of shame, humiliation and regret…etc

To finish, in the profound words of one of the greatest minds of our time; the lovely Brooke Shields: “Smoking kills. If you're killed, you've lost a very important part of your life."

With best wishes,

Stephen

PS Expect to read that Philip Morris profits have plunged to an all time low in their Q1 results…