SmokeFree Liverpool runs its message past New York City

May 3, 2005 - PRESS RELEASE

SmokeFree Liverpool campaigners will be taking the city's message to New York later this year.

The campaign - which is pressing for 100% workplace smoking restrictions in the city - has agreed to sponsor local runner and journalist Jane Woodhead in the New York City Marathon on November 6.

Jane will be pounding the streets in SmokeFree Liverpool-branded running gear, as the city builds on its already strong links with the transatlantic smokefree pioneer.

Jane is a feature writer with Liverpool's evening newspaper the Echo, and recently completed the London Marathon in just over four hours. The sponsorship will help her with her air fare, hotel bill and running gear. Jane's marathon run will take in all the well-known New York sights including Central Park and the Empire and Chrysler buildings.

Andrea Crossfield, SmokeFree Liverpool Co-ordinator, said: "We have such strong links with New York - which we visited last year - that getting involved in sponsoring Jane to run the Marathon there was an obvious decision. We're all wishing her well."

And Dr Paula Grey, Director of Public Health for Central Liverpool PCT and a member of SmokeFree Liverpool, added: "This is all about health. Restricting smoking in workplaces will mean health benefits for the people of Liverpool.
Running the New York Marathon - or just jogging round Liverpool's Sefton Park - also brings real benefits."

A parliamentary bill to make all Liverpool workplaces smokefree has been progressing through the House of Lords. A second reading was due to be heard on March 11 but had to be postponed due to an extended debate over terrorism laws. It will now be revived after the General Election.