The Leaving of Liverpool

Look at my new penguin chums!

As you can see I’m quite at home in Liverpool, and in the words of the song; it’s wonderful to be here, it’s certainly a thrill.

I was promised a surprise upon my arrival and truthfully I got one. I had no idea that Liverpool was planning a public art display based around the humble penguin. When I heard about the Go Penguins project it made me very proud. I don’t mind telling you it brought a tear to my eye. And I’m not a bird easily moved to emotion.

So, once the tremors had subsided, I couldn’t resist popping along to meet these two chaps – the LFC and EFC penguins. The entire colony of more than 150 (some of whom are in the background here) has offered its support to Smokefree Northwest. I knew it would – we penguins are such reliable creatures. For more information on the Go Penguins winter event, do visit their jolly clever website.

I thoroughly enjoyed my week off - it was spent knee-deep in frozen peas and ice lollies. The store manager was none too chuffed, I can tell you.

As enjoyable as this was, I did miss you all. Sadly, I fear it was but a taste of things to come since this shall be my last blog entry before I head home to the frozen wastes. Speaking of which, I’ve had a postcard from Mummy who tells me to brace for a warm summer. She reports that the Antarctic spring has sprung, the permafrost is isn’t so perma any more, and that the air temperature is -6°C. Disturbingly balmy I’m sure you’ll agree.

Such a pity that I’m leaving the North West just as your weather is picking up. I’ve had a marvellous five weeks touring the region and meeting fabulous people of all ages and backgrounds – many of them determined to bin the cigarettes and wot not.

Liverpool PCT can help you do that you know? Last year an astonishing 4,483 people across the city became smokefree with the help of its stop smoking team. The Smokefree squad are in the Liverpool One shopping centre till Sunday but, if you can’t get along there in person, do call my Penguin Stop Smoking Hotline on 0800 032 7252 for more information.

The more gifted among you may remember that my journey began back in September when I helped to launch the Smokefree Northwest tour in Trafford. Since then I’ve been from Crewe in the south to Carlisle in the north. From Workington in the west to Oldham in the east. But now, my long and winding road has brought me to Liverpool - my final destination.

Don’t you think it apt that I should take my leave of you from a great port city? Particularly at a time when so many others of my kind are arriving here. I wish Go Penguins all the luck in Antarctica, but it’s now time for this penguin to go too.

I won’t dwell long on this – otherwise I shall end up blubbing and pounding my chest. Suffice to say I never dreamed that during my trip I would learn as much as I have from so many tremendous darlings.

In the words of a Beatle and on behalf of me and my fellow penguins: You’re such a lovely audience we’d like to take you home with us.

Stay healthy and smokefree. Toodle pip.

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