'Smoking was the direct cause of the heart attack that killed my dad, at just 49. Incredibly, I carried on smoking for years - yup, that's how hard it is to give up. But when I finally got the monkey off my back 15 years ago, I discovered an unexpected bonus - you stop being frightened..

'Almost all smokers are, secretly, in their heart of hearts, scared of what they're doing to themselves; what horrible illness might result from smoking. The fear steadily gets worse as you get older. Freedom from that lurking, nagging anxiety is, for me, the single best benefit that followed giving up.

'Good luck to everyone who's trying to kick cigarettes. It's a toughie, but when you've done it you get your life back. And if I can do it, trust me, you can too.'

Richard Madeley

"I haven't coughed or wheezed since the day I stopped. I feel and look so much better and have little treats with the money I've saved like a pedicure or massage and I look forward to being smoke free for my first grandchild."

Linda Robson

"Quitting smoking is a tough challenge but the benefits are huge, which is why I'm supporting all smokers trying to quit this No Smoking Day. But while you've already got my support, there's plenty more out there so make sure you find it in your friends and family and professionals like your doctor, that way you'll be much more likely to succeed and be healthier, richer and happier to boot."

Dr Hilary Jones

"Are you going to take the leap this No Smoking Day? Quitting smoking is an extremely challenging thing to do, but it brings so many benefits that it's more than worth it. I'm supporting all smokers quitting today, and wish you the best of luck on your journey to a smokefree future."

Clare Nasir

To everyone quitting on this No Smoking Day - GOOD LUCK, you can do it! Take each day at a time and give yourself a reward for getting through the day without a smoke ... not a cigarette, obviously! After a few days of that, you'll feel really proud of yourself and the rest will be a breeze. Everyone's got their own reasons to give up, remind yourself of them when feeling low and remember you're not alone, you can get professional help from your local stop smoking service or GP and there are hundreds of thousands of other smokers all quitting together.

DJ Roberto