Jody Bullock’s grandfather had taken up a lifelong habit at 12 that took his life at just 56
Jody Bullock pictured with his daughters Annie and Mollie ahead of a crucial Senedd vote on Tuesday(Image: Matthew Horwood)
Jody Bullock’s grandfather Lesley was just 12 years old when he started smoking. By the time he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer he smoked 40 cigarettes a day and weeks later he was dead.
Now his family hope Senedd members will back a law that will mean young people will never be legally sold cigarettes in Wales. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, if voted in in Wales, will mean people turning 18 from 2027 onwards will never be legally sold cigarettes.
It would also include measures on vaping which aim to reduce the appeal of these products to young people, including powers to restrict how vapes and nicotine products are packaged and displayed. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter
Jody’s grandfather, Lesley Austin, a former CID officer for the Metropolitan Police died aged just 56 years old. For two years Jody had lived with him and his grandmother Patricia.
“I was only 11 when my grandfather passed away,” Jody recalled. “It happened so quickly. He was diagnosed in March 1991 after visiting the doctor with a dry cough and fatigue. Just five weeks later he died from stage four lung cancer. We were devastated but sadly not surprised as he had smoked his entire life.”
Jody is an ambassador for Cancer Research and is pictured here during a visit to Cardiff Bay ahead of a crucial vote on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill(Image: Matthew Horwood)
Now a father to two daughters, Annie, 16, and Mollie, 11, Jody is passionate about protecting the next generation from the harms of tobacco. He believes the Tobacco and Vapes Bill in Wales, which could be set to be voted in by Senedd members on Tuesday, could be a turning point.
“If this bill is passed my daughters may never begin this deadly addiction. That gives me hope,” he said before Tuesday’s vote. “It’s shocking to know that one in 10 people in Wales still smoke.
“I understand that the reasons people smoke are complex, and we must support those trying to quit – but preventing young people from starting in the first place could spare them a lifetime of addiction.”
Jody, 44, works as a programme manager at BT and is an ambassador for Cancer Research UK. He previously campaigned for tobacco control measures including the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes.
“That was a monumental shift, and I was proud to play a part in that legislation,” he said. “Now I’m committed to supporting the next step – ensuring future generations are protected from the harms of tobacco.
“Our politicians have the chance to protect the nation’s health and raising the age of sale for tobacco would help do just that. It would ease pressure on the Welsh NHS and, more importantly, reduce the human cost of smoking.
“This landmark legislation would mean my children will never be legally sold cigarettes – a powerful step towards a Wales where the next generation can live longer, healthier lives, free from tobacco harm.”
Jody’s grandfather, Lesley Austin, died aged just 56 years old(Image: Matthew Horwood)
The legislation has already received consent in Scotland and Northern Ireland, meaning it can be implemented there once it receives royal assent. On Tuesday Wales now has the chance to do the same and help protect future generations.
Cancer Research UK say smoking causes around 3,100 cancer cases and around 5,000 deaths every year in Wales. Despite record-low smoking rates, 10% of adults still smoke and Wales is not on track to meet its smoke-free target by 2030. It has asked MSs to vote for the law on Tuesday afternoon when it is due to be voted on.
It’s estimated around 6,500 young people aged 18 to 25 start smoking in Wales every year, highlighting the urgent need for preventative measures. Simon Scheeres, Cancer Research UK’s public affairs manager in Wales, said: “Smoking is still the leading cause of cancer in Wales, devastating families and communities every day.
“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill is a historic chance to help change that. Protecting children’s health and the wellbeing of future generations must rise above politics – which is why we’re urging all Senedd members to back this landmark legislation.
“These measures will help save lives and create a healthier Wales for decades to come. We cannot allow tobacco’s legacy to continue. Together we can ensure future generations grow up without the fear of cancers caused by smoking.”