Duncan Bannatyne appointed first president of No Smoking Day » Health » 24dash.com

Entrepreneur, TV personality, and anti tobacco campaigner Duncan Bannatyne OBE has become the first President of the charity No Smoking Day.

Bannatyne, the ex smoker who famously took on British American Tobacco at its AGM in April, will support the charity by encouraging businesses to support the campaign as well as acting as spokesperson for No Smoking Day.

No Smoking Day 2009 takes place on Wednesday 11 March and is the 26th annual campaign. Each year, more than one million smokers quit on the Day.

Bannatyne, who has a clause in his will disinheriting any of his children who take up smoking, said: “The campaign message is 'take the first step'. If, by supporting No Smoking Day, I can help one person to take a step towards quitting then I believe that my role as President will have been worthwhile.

”My views on smoking are well known. I feel that No Smoking Day is the perfect vehicle to push the smokefree message in a non judgemental way - I’m proud to be a supporter.”

John Beal MBE, Chair of the charity, commented: “We’re delighted to have Duncan as the charity’s first President. His passionate desire to reduce the harm caused by tobacco will, I’m sure, make him an outstanding advocate for our work.”

Following a review No Smoking Day the charity also announced the induction of two new Trustees: Tanya Buchanan and Professor Gerard Hastings.

Buchanan, who has worked in a number of health and education roles, is currently the Director of ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) Wales.

Hastings, the first UK Professor of Social Marketing, currently lectures at Stirling University and the Open University. He provides regular guidance on tobacco issues to the Scottish, UK and European Parliaments and the World Health Organisation.