Campaign for the young smokers:
In 2001, Melanie took part of a TV and poster campaign against smoking. In the campaign Melanie appeared holding a character from Cartoon Network, IRBaboon, and saying: "I would rather kiss a baboon's butt than kiss a smoker!" The campaign, from Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, was aimed at young children at primary school.
Melanie has become the patron of The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, after her involvement with the campaign. Happy with her new charge, she said: "My family has been touched by cancer and therefore I realise the work done by the foundation and other cancer charities is so very important."
Professor Ray Donnelly, founder of the charity said: "Melanie has always felt passionately about the dangers of smoking and sends out a very powerful message to children and young people not to smoke."
The foundation carries that name in honour of the television presenter Roy Castle who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1992. Although he was a non-smoker he believed the disease may have been triggered by passive smoking when he used to spend nights playing his trumpet on the club circuit.
He dedicated the last year of his life to promoting the work of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
Mel said: "I think it's important to teach youngsters the perils of smoking and if I can help get this message across, then I am only too pleased to do so."

Stamp Out Smoking Day:
Melanie left the following message in her official site on the Stamp Out Smoking Day (June 15th ), in 2001:
"Did you know that today is national Stamp Out Smoking Day? I decided to front the campaign after being contacted by the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. Our mission is to raise as much awareness of the dangers of smoking as possible.
I really hate smoking and I’m always happy to do anything I can to stop kids from starting. Smoking is so disgusting, it makes you unfit, it’s not cool and it’s so bad for your health (not to mention your stinky breath, bleugh!!!!).
I think I tried my first cigarette when I was about 8 years old, all my mates we doing it so I thought I'd try - it made me feel physically sick! So I just hope you kids out there can see that it's not actually that cool to smoke. It's not cool being a sheep and following other people, especially if it's not doing your health any good"