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A dad has written a heartbreaking obituary for HIMSELF - in order to warn others of the dangers of smoking.

Geoffrey Turner, 66, described himself as an "idiot" and wrote: "If you're a smoker - quit - now - your life depends on it."

The dad-of-five, who had four grandchildren, died from lung cancer on February 13.

He was diagnosed in November, and told that years of smoking had caused the condition.

In an obituary published in the Albany Times Union , he wrote: "I was a smoker and even though I knew it may eventually kill me, I chose to deny the truth to myself."

(Image: Getty Images)

And he continued: "The pain and suffering I caused my family was not worth the perceived 'satisfaction' that really did nothing more than waste money, separate me from my family, and eventually destroyed my body.

"I lived a decent life, but there are so many events and milestones I will not be able to share with my loved ones.

"The moral of this story - don't be an idiot.

"Remember, life is good - don't let it go up in smoke."

Mr Turner's daughter, Sarah Huiest, told the BBC her dad had been smoking since he was a child.

She said: "He always wanted 'to do something big.'

"I am extremely proud of the selfless act of this obituary. This is what he will be most widely known for and it is a great thing."