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Female health workers in Oldham will be kicking-off No Smoking Day on Wednesday by taking on Oldham Roughyeds at a game of touch rugby.

A group of 13 women, 11 of whom work for the Oldham Community Health Services (part of Oldham PCT) health improvement team, one who works for Sure Start and the daughter of a member of staff, will be lining up for a 40 minute match against the rugby players.

The aim of the unusual game at Failsworth sports centre is to use a fun event to grab the attention of Oldhamers to the serious messages behind No Smoking Day.

Liz Woodworth, co-ordinator with Oldham’s specialist stop smoking service said: “We decided to arrange the event because we wanted to highlight the messages around no smoking day in a lively way. Research shows seven in ten people want to stop smoking. We want people to know there is support available which can fit around their lives and they are four times more likely to quit if they have support from the specialist stop smoking service. And this game will certainly be a challenge!”

Chris Hamilton, Oldham Roughyeds chief executive, said: "We're delighted to continue working with Oldham Community Health Services on encouraging people to lead healthy lifestyles. I am in full support of events like this to draw more people's attention to health issues." 

Stop smoking advisors will be available to give advice at various venues. These include the Royal Oldham hospital where there will also be a display at the main entrance. Pharmacists at Tesco in Westwood, Superdrug and Boots in the Spindles shopping centre and The Oldham College who will also be displaying special no smoking literature.

On Thursday, the Quit-it bus which has been touring Greater Manchester will be at Honeywell Centre from 10am to 1pm then outside youth club in Fitton Hill 1pm to 5pm. Health trainers will be on board to give dietary advice, and giving away fruit and stop smoking advisors will be on hand to give advice.

The Quit-it campaign is being run by research organisation Dr Foster across Greater Manchester to raise awareness of no smoking messages and support available.

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Event:  Female health workers in Oldham will be kicking-off No Smoking Day on Wednesday by taking on Oldham Roughyeds at a game of football

Date:   Wednesday March 12

Place: Failsworth sports centre, Brierley Avenue, Oldham

Time:  7.30pm