THE story of Paul Whitney will certainly strike a chord with all in Lancashire.

He was a successful and popular man with much to live for. And, at 59 years old, most would expect that he had many more years to enjoy and so much more to achieve.

But, like so many in this area and across the UK, Mr Whitney drank and smoked.

In his mind there was no doubt why he became ill and developed cancer, a disease he had been fighting for three years.

The company director said he would think nothing of sinking more than 10 pints in an evening while smoking like a chimney.

His lifestyle is one that is repeated in countless households across this area.

Mr Whitney’s family have now released his powerful message to those who mirror his lifestyle.

Faced with his own mortality in the weeks before his recent death he wrote his own obituary warning others to look after themselves better.

It is a message that local NHS bosses have been trying to bring home to people for years.

Mr Whitney’s story is a more powerful warning than any the authorities have been able to deliver.