HUNDREDS of families are preparing to face their first Christmas without a loved one, after an estimated 261 people in Swindon lost their lives this year due to smoking related illnesses.

Smokefree South West is keen to highlight not just the physical risks of smoking, but the emotional ones too, as the pain of losing a loved one can be especially strong at Christmas.

Fiona Andrews, director of Smokefree South West, said: “Sadly more than 200 families in Swindon will feel that sorrow for the first time this year.

"For some families getting together to celebrate they will face that empty place around the table when pulling crackers or an unopened present under the tree.

"Christmas is a time for getting together without the shadow or annual reminder of an unnecessary death caused by smoking.

“But it is not too late to do something about it. Whilst it’s true that 1 in 2 long-term smokers will die early of a tobacco related disease - it doesn’t have to be that way for you.

"Each year there are thousands of success stories across our region as more and more people, with money in their back pockets and a longer, healthier future to look forward to, join the growing band of ex-smokers.

“Make 2015 the year you join them so you too can be there tomorrow. ”