ANGELA

I had tried to quit smoking more times than I would like to remember, each time I tried and relapsed I would really get disappointed with myself. Everyone needs a reason to quit and mine were stacking up right in front of me.

I lost a very close uncle to lung cancer and watching him suffer and get weaker and weaker was devastating to me and all my family. I wanted so much to quit but just found it incredibly hard to set myself the goal to quit when every time I tried I relapsed.

Last July I hated that I had to go outside to smoke when I was out at a pub or club, then when I did go outside I was aware of how I smelt as people used to say “have you just had a fag – you stink”. I also have three beautiful daughters who were watching me smoke and I would have been devastated if they had started to smoke, what kind of example was I setting if I was still smoking in front of them.

I attended one of the drop in sessions and decided to use Champix as I had used everything else. At first I was a little apprehensive of how it was going to work, but I soon realised that it was much easier than I thought. I would have my carbon monoxide test done each time I went which helped me to focus on what I wanted to achieve.

I have been quit 8 months now and feel absolutely fantastic – it’s the best thing I have ever done, I feel so much healthier. I have more energy and have joined a kick boxing club; my fitness level has improved ten fold. I am so conscious about making the healthier choice in everything I do now so I eat a healthy balanced diet as I did not want to pile on the weight by eating too much to compensate not smoking. I have also saved lots of money by quitting which can go towards our family holiday instead; life is good without cigarettes just wish I had been able to do it sooner.

Anyone who wants to quit should never give up trying you will never quit for good unless you try.