Donald

How old were you when you started smoking?

I started smoking when I was 9 years old. I started due to peer pressure and thought that it was cool to smoke.

How many years had you smoked?

With me starting at the age of 9, I have been smoking for around 45 years.

Do you remember why you started smoking?

I started smoking due to peer pressure and thought that it made me look cool.

How many cigarettes per day were you smoking on average?

36-40

What were your reasons for quitting?

I wanted to stop smoking for my health. I have problems with my heart and was struggling with COPD and emphysema. As well as my health the price was a factor as it was getting quite expensive.

How did you access stop smoking support?

One to one, I'd rate the the support I received as excellent.

Did you use stop smoking medication to help you quit?

To help me with my quit I used patches and the chewing gum.

How helpful did you find it?

Very helpful as they helped me stop this time and with them being free, it helped financially.

Apart from medication, what else helped you to quit and stay smoke free?

My wife has been a massive support. She decided to stop with me this time and I found that having somebody doing it with me a great support. I also found coming to the market really helped as it was really good to speak to someone.

Has your health improved since you quit and if so, in what ways?

I have noticed that my breathing is a little bit better, not as bad as it was when I was smoking and I have noticed that I am not getting as many chest infections as I was. 

What do you like about not smoking?

I feel cleaner! I have been a heavy smoker for years and people have now noticed that the house and our clothes do not smell of smoke anymore. I can taste my food a lot better now as well.

Do you know how much money you have saved by not smoking?

Since stopping I have saved around £4704 this year. I was smoking around 40 a day which was costing me £98 a week, £392 a month!

Stopping smoking has changed my life, I feel a lot better for not smoking! I am no longer a slave to that little white thing!