A unique sculpture, entitled ‘New Life’, and made from Salford smokers’ last cigarette packs, was unveiled on Friday at Salford Royal. Designed and created by local artist David Boultbee as part of the My Last Pack campaign, the artwork aims to convey the significance of quitting smoking. It has been created using empty cigarette packs that were donated by 77 people who have made a pledge to quit smoking for good.
Throughout June and July, the My Last Pack campaign encouraged Salford smokers to quit and donate their last empty pack of cigarettes. Packs were collected at special donation boxes located across the city before being transformed into a specially commissioned work of art. Initiated and funded by Pfizer, and supported by Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, the campaign has also raised vital funds for charity, with Pfizer pledging £500 to the national charity QUIT.
The campaign aims to highlight that help to successfully quit smoking and stay nicotine-free is available via healthcare professionals. The latest research suggests that those who seek help from a healthcare professional are up to four times more likely to stop smoking for good than those who try to go it alone.
Artist David Boultbee, who designed and built the sculpture, said, “I wanted to create something that really resonates with people and says something about the positive side of deciding to quit smoking. Each cigarette pack has been pulped and carefully remoulded to create a figure that represents each person who donated their pack and celebrates their individual pledge to quit. The figures make obvious reference to Lowry, firmly rooting the work in Salford but still modern; each one striding purposefully forward, with their heads held high and very much reflecting the area as it is today.”
June Roberts, Assistant Director of Nursing at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, commented, “We would like to thank all the people who have participated in this campaign by donating their last empty cigarette pack and making the commitment to quit smoking. We’re so thrilled to see the sculpture unveiled in our hospital today and hope this will inspire other smokers to consider speaking to a healthcare professional about quitting. It’s important to remember that it’s never too late, and you are more likely to quit for good if you seek help.”
‘New Life’ is being exhibited at Salford Royal, Hope Building (opposite M&S), until the end of October.
Visit www.quitwithhelp.co.uk for more information on where to find local help to quit smoking.
