Thousands of people have quit for good with our help, and studies show that you're up to four times more likely to quit successfully with our specialist help and support. Read real stories from ex-smokers to remind you that you're not alone in your Smokefree journey.
I walked in to Whiston Hospital with 40 Cigarettes unopened and I left a week later with the same amount.
I’ve been trying to stop smoking for over 50 years. I first started smoking when I was 12 years old. My mum was a heavy smoker and there were always woodbines lying around the house. I would often sneak ciggys out of my mum’s cigarette box whenever I could.
I’ve always enjoyed smoking. I would describe myself as a routine smoker. If I made a cup of tea I’d light a ciggy. After I hovered around the house I’d have a ciggy. I was smoking around 25 a day. In my life time I’ve tried 3 times to stop smoking. The longest I have lasted is a week. I would find myself constantly making excuses to have one and the craving would sometimes be unbearable.
Over the last few years I have noticed on occasion that I would lose feeling in my arm or leg. After a couple of days the feeling would come back and I didn’t really think much else of it. A couple of months ago I lost all feeling in my arm and leg on my left side and my vision went blurry. I took myself off to Whiston Hospital. I was seen immediately by a stroke nurse. Once I had been seen I was admitted to a ward straight away. The nurse had a very blunt and direct conversation with me about my smoking which in all honesty frightened me as it dawned on me how my smoking behaviour was effecting my health. I walked in to Whiston Hospital with 40 Cigarettes unopened and I left a week later with the same amount.
Whilst in Hospital, I was referred to the Knowsley Stop Smoking Service. My stop smoking advisor Rita called me over the telephone. Having someone at the end of the phone has really helped me. I have really appreciated the support. I have been using Nicotine Replacement Therapy in the form of a patch to help me stop smoking. With Rita’s help I have realised that my daily routine has had to change completely. I now drink and eat in my living room of a morning instead of the kitchen as that’s where I used to smoke. Although I still get cravings I can proudly say that after 6 weeks I have not had one single cigarette. I can’t quite believe it. I’m determined to carry on and I am very hopeful I will succeed with the support from the Knowsley Stop Smoking Service.
Jeff has been struggling to quit smoking for years. His 60 a day habit unfortunately ended up compromising his health. However, he has manged to kick the habit with the help of one of our lovely stop smoking advisors Rita. Jeff has done amazing. Jeff has agreed to tell us his story to inspire others to do the same.
My family are all so proud of me for stopping smoking including my 13 grandchildren. With the money I have saved from not smoking, I am able to save so I can have a proper holiday with the family when it’s safe to do so. I can’t wait!
When I go in for my hospital appointments and I’m asked by the nurse “do you smoke?” I find it’s a very proud moment when I say “no, not anymore I’ve quit.”
