For Betty, getting older and living with COPD made stopping smoking increasingly important. She had successfully stopped before, but following a bereavement, she found herself smoking again.
This time, Betty knew continuing to smoke could make her COPD worse and decided it was time to give quitting another go.
She had also begun to recognise just how much smoking had become part of her everyday routine.
"I would often sit looking at my tablet and found I smoked even more while doing this. I'd light a cigarette, forget about it and let it burn out, then think, 'Oh, I must have another one.'"
When Betty started her quit attempt, she describes her confidence as "50/50" and admits she was apprehensive after her previous experience. But she focused on the reasons she wanted to stop and the difference it could make to her health.
To keep herself occupied, Betty turned to activities she enjoyed, including knitting, puzzles, crosswords, decorating and walking her dog. Positive thinking also helped her stay motivated, particularly knowing that becoming smoke free could make those dog walks easier.
With the help of Yorkshire Smokefree in Calderdale, Betty used nicotine replacement products alongside regular telephone appointments. She says having ongoing encouragement from her advisor, Sally, has been particularly valuable.
"The telephone support has been so helpful. Having someone remind you how well you've done is lovely. People can forget you've quit smoking, so having that achievement acknowledged has been really motivating."
Betty particularly appreciated Sally's friendly and relaxed approach.
"The chats weren't too serious. Sally didn't talk to me like I was a child or tell me what I should or shouldn't be doing. She's an ex-smoker too, so I felt she understood how I was feeling and could give me helpful advice."
Since becoming smoke free, Betty is already enjoying the benefits. Her breathing has improved and she's finding it easier to walk her dog without becoming as short of breath.
"My health feels better. I know my COPD won't be cured, but I'm able to walk better without feeling as breathless as I did before."
The financial difference has been noticeable too. Instead of spending money on cigarettes, Betty has been able to put it towards decorating her home and buying things she wouldn't previously have been able to afford.
For Betty, the combination of nicotine replacement products and regular, personalised support helped her successfully quit.
And what would she say to somebody else considering stopping smoking?
"Ring Yorkshire Smokefree and ask for Sally!"
Betty's experience shows that returning to smoking after a difficult period doesn't mean you can't successfully stop again. With the right support, another quit attempt can be the one that makes the difference. Well done on your quit, Betty!
