No Smoking Day adds Facebook to direct campaign

by Ed Kemp, Marketing 04-Mar-08, 15:10

LONDON - No Smoking Day, the smoking cessation charity, is marking its 25th anniversary with a nationwide direct marketing campaign.

The Great No Smoking Day Challenge will be the charity's first campaign since smoke-free legislation was introduced to the UK.

The charity is inviting smokers to commit to a smoke-free week. Participants will receive free quit packs, text messages and emails, which will highlight the benefits of giving up smoking. The campaign will also be urge quitters to seek sponsorship to support a charity of their choice.

The campaign will be supported by minor celebrity Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace from Big Brother 7 and TV doctors Dr Hilary Jones and Dr Rosemary Leonard.

The marketing push will also span social networking. The charity has created a group on Facebook, called The Great No Smoking Day Challenge, as well as a My Space account boasting friends including Lily Allen.