The face of the QUIT campaign: Gerry Collins

If you're trying to quit smoking but tempted to light up again, this story may be the incentive you need.

Cancer sufferer Gerry Collins inspired over 100,000 quit attempts through a series of hard-hitting ads.

Gerry originally appeared in a 2011 ad for the HSE's QUIT campaign in which he told his story of overcoming throat cancer.

Sadly he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2013 and passed away in March 2014. He was just 57 year old.

The former Dublin footballer had quit smoking 10 years prior to the fatal diagnosis.

Before his death, Gerry made three brief films for QUIT to encourage others to stop smoking.

The poignant footage show Gerry coming to terms with his terminal diagnosis and his regrets about not quitting sooner. 

Gerry passed away before the ads were aired but his family decided to go ahead with their release.

His legacy has inspired others to kick the habit and avoid illness and premature death.

Quit.ie say they have seen more smokers than ever signing up to their online plans after the ad was released. 

Gerry's final message is simple:" Don't smoke, don't start, and if you have, stop."

Advice and support can be found on Quit.ie.