Ex-smokers in North Yorkshire have shared their stories in an attempt to inspire others to quit the 'deadly' habit for good.
The 13th annual Stoptober quitting campaign is underway this month (October), with thousands of smokers taking part nationwide.
Figures from Action on Smoking and Health UK (ASH) reveal there are currently between 45,000 to 53,000 smokers in North Yorkshire.
Ex-smokers in North Yorkshire share stories for Stoptober:
When John Peacock sought help to quit his 50 cigarettes a day smoking habit, he knew it was not only a significant step towards a healthier lifestyle but one that would save him a lot of money.
The 76-year-old Thirsk resident began smoking when he was 16 and over the years has spent hundreds of pounds each month buying tobacco until he spotted a poster at his local GP surgery of North Yorkshire Council’s Living Well Smokefree service and reached out.
He admits he has seen a “huge” improvement in his health and is also saving £400 each month that he would normally have spent on cigarettes.
“Smoking was the norm back in the 1960s,” said Mr Peacock.
“I’ve smoked for decades and in recent years it was 50 cigarettes a day.
"I knew I had to stop because I have suffered from heart failure, shortness of breath and lots of trouble sleeping.
The father-of-one added: “I’ve been smoke-free for three months now and don’t miss it at all. It’s been life-changing for me, and I’m determined to keep it this way.
"I’ve noticed huge health improvements, joined the gym, and I am learning to swim and with the hundreds of pounds I’m saving, I’m spending the cash on my much-loved bikes. My only regret is if I had kicked the habit years ago.”
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for health and adult services, Cllr Michael Harrison, added: “Cigarettes are one of the most harmful products on the market – killing up to two of every three lifelong smokers. However, the positive impact of stopping smoking is immediate – with lung function and circulation improving in a few weeks.
Among the other success stories is Newton-Le-Willows resident, Professor Deborah Withington.
With a new grandson on the way, Professor Withington knew she had to make significant changes to her lifestyle.
Being fit and healthy so she can play with the new addition to her family was her catalyst to stopping smoking.
And thanks to the council’s Living Well Service, the 60-year-old is celebrating six months of being smoke free.
She said: “I smoked 20 cigarettes a day for the past 25 years. It was not only becoming too expensive, but with a new grandson in the house, I knew I had to stop.
"I’ve received great support finding different ways to get over nicotine cravings and tried various methods including nicotine replacement therapy until I found the one that suited me the best. Regular check-ins to see how I’m doing from the Living Well team have been so welcoming.”
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She added: “I love that my house and clothes smell fresh, my voice is not raspy and I’ve felt energetic when playing with my grandson. I’m also intending to save £4,500 a year that I would have spent on cigarettes.”
Encouraging other smokers to kick the habit, she said: “The combination of support and treatment to stop smoking worked well for me and it can work for you too. I’m really grateful to the team, especially Emily Fazal for the support she provided to stop.”
North Yorkshire Council’s Living Well Smokefree service is available to anyone who lives or works in North Yorkshire or is registered with a GP in the county and they can be contacted at either 01609 797272 or via email stop.smoking@northyorks.gov.uk
More information about the service and the support it offers can be found at www.northyorks.gov.uk/StoppingSmoking
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