Neil, from Barnsley, had stopped smoking before, but this time was different. With the support of Yorkshire Smokefree, he finally quit for good.
His motivation to stop smoking wasn't just one thing – it was a combination of wanting to improve his health, save money and enjoy a better quality of life.
Although he was determined to quit, Neil admits he wasn't convinced he would succeed.
"To be honest, I didn't think I'd make it. At the start, I was definitely apprehensive."
To help him quit, Neil used nicotine patches alongside a nicotine inhalator. While the patches worked in the background to manage his cravings, he found the inhalator especially helpful during the moments when he would normally have reached for a cigarette.
"I actually found the inhalator more useful than the patches. The patches did their job in the background, but using the inhalator as well was brilliant."
Another important factor in Neil's success was that his wife had recently stopped smoking too. Supporting one another made the journey easier, but he says the biggest difference came from the encouragement he received from Yorkshire Smokefree.
"My wife had stopped smoking just before me, so that helped. But the biggest encouragement was the support from the team. I absolutely couldn't have done it without you and wanted to pass on my gratitude."
Since quitting, Neil has noticed plenty of positive changes. Food tastes better, and everyday activities feel a little easier than they used to. He's also spending more time outdoors, enjoying regular walks and working in the garden.
Perhaps the biggest surprise has been the financial benefit. After working it out, Neil realised he is saving around £5,000 a year by no longer buying cigarettes, telling his advisor:
"I'm going to put the money I've saved towards a holiday."
Looking back on his experience, Neil says the kindness and encouragement from the Yorkshire Smokefree team gave him the confidence to keep going.
"The service and advice were brilliant. Everyone I spoke to was so friendly and supportive, and I owe you all my genuine thanks for everything you did."
Today, Neil hopes his story will inspire others who are thinking about quitting.
"It was tough to start with but, if you're like me, stick with it and you'll crack it. You'll benefit health wise, financially and, in fact, in every way."
Neil's journey is proof that even if you're unsure whether you'll succeed, the right support, the right stop smoking aids and a little determination can help you become smokefree for good.
Stock image used for illustration purposes only.
