Wales’s leading tobacco control action group ASH Wales Cymru celebrates 40 years of campaigning today (Tues 27th Sept) as figures reveal nearly 400,000 less smokers in Wales than in 1976.

To mark the event Welsh celebrity artist Nathan Wyburn has created a self-portrait made entirely from cigarette butts picked up by children from Welsh beaches.

The portrait will be unveiled at the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday in front of Assembly Members, government officials and health professionals.

ASH Wales is the leading campaign group in Wales and raises awareness of the health, social and economic effects of smoking by working with communities, young people and partners across the country.

Founded in Wales in 1976, ASH Wales was created in reaction to more scientific evidence coming to light around the life-limiting damage smoking does to the body.

Smoking prevalence has fallen be over half, from 40% in the 1970s to around 19% today. This is due to the strong policy and social changes which ASH Wales has worked to implement, such as; a ban on smoking in public places, a ban on smoking in a car when a young person is present and, most recently, signing every council in Wales up to making their children’s playgrounds smokefree places.

The portrait by Welsh celebrity artist and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Nathan Wyburn was unveiled by children from Ysgol Y Ddraig, Llantwit Major who took part in the litter pick.

Made entirely from used cigarette butts and smoking litter, Nathan, who is known for his work with unconventional materials, said; “I decided to help support ASH Wales because I strongly believe that anywhere that children play should be a smoking free zone. Whether it’s beaches, play areas, sports grounds and most importantly school gates.”

“The amount of cigarette butts the young volunteers collected for me from Llantwit beach last week is quite frankly horrifying and just cements my support and feelings even more. I have a young sister and young nieces and nephews in my family and I don’t want them growing up in such unhealthy environments.”

In reference to his work, he continued, “I know it’s unattractive, in fact it’s gross, I really wanted it to be, it needs to be.”

Chief Executive of ASH Wales, Suzanne Cass, said; “It’s fantastic to able to today celebrate ASH Wales’ monumental successes over the past 40 years. Thanks to the organisation, more Welsh people are healthier, happier and living longer without the tragic and often catastrophic harm smoking causes to individuals and families. A testament to our work would be for ASH Wales to no longer exist in another 40 years!”

“There are still 5,605 smoking related deaths and 28,607 smoking related hospital admissions every year. There is a marked difference in smoking rates between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ which is a real cause for concern. It is imperative we now engage these communities as much as we can and support them every step of the way.”