'I'll miss my kids': final QUIT adverts from late Gerry Collins released
The HSE have released the adverts made by former Dublin footballer Gerry Collins, who died with lung cancer, aged 57, last weekend.
In the first of the two newly-released ads, Gerry spoke about his children's attributes, and the knowledge that he won't be there for them.
"I'll miss my kids. I will miss not being there when they might need me."
In the final advert, Gerry reflected on what he's grateful for in life.
"I'm going to die soon from smoking. I'm not dying from anything other than cigarettes."
Gerry first featured in the HSE's anti-smoking campaigns in 2011, when he had recovered from throat cancer. Despite beating it, he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer last year.
Knowing that it would be fatal, he recorded a series of new messages for the campaign to discourage others.
His first advert aired in January, to a phenomenal reception, with the focus on the fact he was a real victim of smoking-related illness and not an actor.
"Gerry and his family allowed us a window into their family life, and into how they coped with and reacted to Gerry's diagnosis," the HSE said on releasing the new ads.
"Gerry hoped to inspire other people to quit smoking and help them to avoid the pain of illness and premature separation from their loved ones."
"It is tragic that he did not live to see them broadcast, or to experience the further admiration, support and gratitude that the ads would have delivered to him, and that he so warmly deserves."
