Fresh commends South Shields smoking survivor who has received British Empire Medal
One of the faces of Fresh’s Smoking Survivors campaign has received a British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours List.
Sue Mountain, 59, from South Shields, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) List for services to public health and supporting people to give up smoking.
The mum of three started smoking aged 11 and was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer at the age of 48 in 2012. The cancer then returned in 2015 and then again in 2017, but she is now cancer free.
Since 2019, Sue has been working with Fresh to raise awareness of the harms of tobacco smoking and campaigning for an end to the death and disease caused by tobacco – a product which kills two out of three smokers.
Sue bravely shared her story of how she became addicted as a teenager, which led to her cancer diagnosis, as part of Fresh’s Smoking Survivors campaign, which is currently running on TV, radio, outdoor and digital channels encouraging people to make a fresh quit for the New Year
Sue has also spoken at several All Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health events to urge MPs to support the government’s plans to create a smokefree future. Her TV advert was also used nationally and seen by millions of people around the country.
Ailsa Rutter OBE, Director of Fresh and Balance, said: “We are delighted that Sue has been recognised for her public health campaigning as for the last five years she has worked tirelessly to support our work in the North East and nationally.
“She is one of our amazing Smoking Survivors, who has bravely shared her story to help save lives and we are incredibly grateful for all of her support.
“Sue has also played a pivotal role in the campaign for a smokefree generation, taking her plea to MPs at the All Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health events. The campaign’s impact is a testament to the power of personal stories in motivating change and advocating for a smokefree future.”
Sue was surprised to find out that she had been recognised in the New Year Honours List. She said: “It’s an honour – when I first found out I cried as I feel like a bit of an imposter because all I did was tell my story.
“It’s amazing to know that people have been inspired to quit, because of my TV ad for Fresh’s Smoking Survivors campaign. When I agreed to take part I just wanted to help one person, but I know I’ve helped many more.
“I don’t want anyone else going through what myself and my family went through, so that’s what I’m passionate about helping people to stop smoking.”