Melvin recently stopped smoking with the support of Yorkshire Smokefree Sheffield. We presented him with his Smokefree Champion certificate and asked him what he thought about the service he received, and how he feels to now be officially smoke-free. Here's what he had to say...
Q: What were your reasons for wanting to stop smoking?
A: Being diagnosed with COPD 6 years ago. COPD was causing me to have shortness of breath and I wasn't able to walk very far without stopping.
Q: Have you stopped smoking previously?
A: I tried give up smoking in the past without any success.
Q: Before your first appointment, did you believe you would be successful?
A: No
Q: Did you use stop smoking medication to help you quit?
A: Yes, I used an inhalator.
Q: Apart from medication, what else helped you to quit and stay smokefree?
A: Having people around that encourage and help is really important, including my wife, my daughter and my Yorkshire Smokefree advisor. I have been a smoker for 40 years, so, it was hard.
Q: What do you like the most about been a non-smoker?
A: It's great to have more movement; being able to walk further without being short of breath and without coughing. I'm also finding I'm sleeping better, without wheezing or making funny noises.
Q: What have you found helpful whilst accessing Yorkshire Smokefree service?
A: If you want to stop smoking you need the help of these people! You need to talk with them if anything goes wrong, because the advice they give is good.
