Following a cancer diagnosis, Gary knew that quitting smoking was more important than ever. Determined to give himself the best possible chance for his health, he turned to Smokefree Sheffield for support. With the help of nicotine patches, his family and his dedicated stop smoking advisor, Jill, Gary has successfully quit smoking.
For Gary, the decision to stop smoking was driven by one very important reason – his health.
"To give myself a chance of life, as I have cancer," he explained.
Although Gary had tried to quit smoking before, this time his motivation was stronger than ever.
"I have no idea what was different this time. I just want to live."
Despite his determination, Gary admits that he wasn't particularly confident about quitting when he first started his journey. However, he knew that stopping smoking was something he needed to do.
To help manage his cravings, Gary used nicotine replacement patches, which he found very useful. But it wasn't just the patches that helped him succeed. The encouragement of his family and the ongoing support of his Smokefree Sheffield advisor, Jill, made a real difference.
Gary is particularly grateful for the time, care and encouragement Jill provided throughout his quit journey.
"Talking to Jill really helped. She's a great advisor, and I appreciated her support so much. I can't emphasise how much Jill helped me."
Having someone to talk to and encourage him along the way helped Gary stay focused on his goal, even when things felt challenging.
Since quitting, Gary has already noticed some positive changes. He's finding it a little easier to breathe, and he's particularly pleased that his home no longer smells of cigarette smoke.
While Gary continues to face challenges with his health, becoming smokefree is an important achievement and something he can feel incredibly proud of.
His story highlights just how valuable the right support can be, particularly when quitting smoking feels overwhelming. With encouragement from loved ones, effective stop smoking aids and the dedicated support of an advisor, Gary has taken a positive step for his health and wellbeing.
When asked what advice he would give to someone thinking about stopping smoking, Gary's message was simple:
"Just try!"
Gary's story is a reminder that you don't have to feel confident about quitting to take that first step. Whatever your circumstances, support is available to help you make a positive change.
Smokefree Sheffield offers free, friendly and personalised support to help you stop smoking. Whether you've tried before or are thinking about quitting for the first time, the team is here to help you every step of the way.
