THE son of a Ponteland health campaigner is continuing his mother's efforts to stop people from smoking.

Maggie Bratton had to have surgery to remove part of the roof of her mouth after being diagnosed with mouth cancer.

Maggie, who died in 2020 of an unrelated illness, raised awareness about the risks of smoking and was featured in a viral film.

Her son Davey Bratton, formerly of Ryton but now living in Canada, is now appealing to others to quit smoking.

His call comes as Fresh launches the Don't be the 1 campaign across the North East to encourage people to quit before they get a smoking-related illness.

Davey said: “I was just 12 when my mam sat me down to tell me she had mouth cancer. I just remember the C word and fell apart. You fear the worst.

“She was amazing and brave during her fight with cancer but then to show the world what smoking had done to her.”

Maggie’s tumour was discovered at a routine dental check-up when she asked the dentist to look at a lump in her mouth. 

Davey explained: "Our lives were turned upside down. Everyone in my family smoked.

“I’m so pleased that the last thing I told my mam was that I’d quit smoking and that she told me she was proud of me.

"I have a 10-year-old son – I don’t want him to smoke and I want to be around to see him grow up.

"I am so proud of my mam. We had messages from all over the world from people saying they had quit smoking after seeing her film. 

"Now that my mam’s passed away, I’m the only one left to continue her legacy. She’d be proud if just one more person quit from seeing the campaign.

“I’m urging you to give quitting a go and find a way that works for you, whether it is a vape or nicotine replacement therapy. Don’t give up, keep trying and you will succeed.

"My experience of smoking is life-ruining and I don’t want anyone else to have to go through that.”