For Ann from Barnsley, quitting smoking became more than just a goal - it became a necessity.
After developing pneumonia in December whilst already living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Ann experienced a frightening health scare that changed her outlook completely.
“I was struggling to breathe. If my niece hadn’t come to visit me, I don’t think I’d be here.”
That experience became the turning point that motivated Ann to stop smoking for good.
Previous Attempts to Quit
Like many smokers, Ann had tried to cut down before. She previously used tobacco-flavoured e-cigarettes, but found they never truly replaced smoking for her. “They just weren’t the same.” Ann continued smoking and would even ask friends travelling abroad to bring tobacco back for her.
A Difficult Habit to Break
Even after her health scare, Ann admits she didn’t fully believe she could quit smoking. While she was in hospital, she was given a nicotine patch and quickly noticed a difference, telling her stop smoking advisor: “I didn’t want a cigarette at all while I was there.” However, returning home brought its own challenges and temptations.
Finding the Right Support
With support from Yorkshire Smokefree in Barnsley, Ann used nicotine replacement therapy to help her quit, including 21mg nicotine patches and 2mg nicotine gum. Ann described the patches as “fantastic.”
She found them to be the most effective quit aid she had ever tried and developed a routine of applying them around two hours before bed. While she also found the gum useful, it was the patches that made the biggest difference.
Staying Motivated to Remain Smokefree
Ann says living with COPD has been a major reason for staying smokefree. She also became more aware of the smell of cigarette smoke and how it affected both herself and others around her. The support from the Yorkshire Smokefree team also played a huge part in helping her succeed and she told us: “The weekly phone calls really helped. I didn’t want to let anyone down.” Having regular support and encouragement kept Ann motivated and accountable throughout her quit journey.
Improvements to Health and Daily Life
Since quitting smoking, Ann has noticed significant improvements in both her health and quality of life.
She reports:
- Better breathing and lung capacity
- Fewer COPD symptoms
- No recent chest infections or excess phlegm
- Less need for her inhaler
- Improved ability to talk and stay active
Ann has also noticed positive changes around her home, saying “Everything smells better and my bungalow looks much cleaner.”
Without cigarettes controlling her time, she now spends more time being productive; cleaning cupboards, organising drawers and enjoying a fresher home environment. She also no longer spends time rolling cigarettes.
Feeling Proud
One of the biggest rewards for Ann has been the sense of pride she now feels. Her family and friends are proud of her achievement, and she is proud of herself too. She also shared one deeply personal moment that now feels very different as a non-smoker:
“I can now visit the cemetery without having a cigarette.”
Encouraging Others to Quit
Ann is now passionate about encouraging others to seek support to stop smoking. She regularly tells people she meets in shops about the free help available through Yorkshire Smokefree. Her message to others thinking about quitting is simple:
“If you want to stop smoking, there is help there — but you’ve got to want to do it.”
Thinking About Quitting?
Quitting smoking can feel difficult, but with the right support, it is possible - no matter how long you have smoked. Find out more about the free support available from Yorkshire Smokefree and take the first step towards becoming smokefree.
