Allen Carr, the Briton who helped millions of people to quit smoking, died on November 29 after losing his battle with lung cancer, his spokesperson said.
The 72-year-old, a former 100-a-day smoker who stubbed out his last cigarette 23 years ago, died at his home near Malaga, southern Spain, with his family at his bedside, she added.
Carr was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer earlier this year. Friends said it was not possible to tell if the condition was caused by his previous addiction, but he had spent years in smoke-filled rooms helping smokers.
The accountant turned anti-smoking expert developed his Easyway method of giving up smoking in 1983 and opened a clinic in London. He then established 70 clinics in 30 countries, which treated 45 000 people last year.
Using the power of positive thinking, the Easyway method convinces smokers that they can give up nicotine without willpower or weight gain.
Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking book has sold more than seven million copies. Celebrities including Hollywood actor Anthony Hopkins and British entrepreneur Richard Branson have used Carr’s techniques to quit smoking.
John Dicey, worldwide director of Allen Carr’s Easyway, said: “This is a tragic and emotional day for everyone involved with Allen Carr’s Easyway organisation, most of whom, as former smokers, owe Allen their lives.
“Our hearts go out to Allen’s family and the millions of former smokers who will be saddened by his passing.”
Dicey described Carr as an “iconic figure” and a “real inspiration” to people battling to kick the habit and vowed to carry on the work he started.
Carr was married with four children and 11 grandchildren. — AFP