For Dean, the decision to stop smoking came after an appointment with his cardiologist. During the appointment, he was reminded that smoking and heart problems do not go hand in hand, and he knew the time had come to make a change.
"The cardiologist explained that smoking and heart issues don't go together, and I knew it was the right time to stop smoking."
Although Dean had successfully quit before and remained smokefree for six months, he eventually returned to smoking and admits he still doesn't know why. This time, however, his approach was different.
Before his first appointment with Yorkshire Smokefree in Barnsley, Dean was determined that he wasn't simply going to "try" to stop smoking – he was going to stop for good.
"I said I was going to be smoke-free, not just trying to stop smoking. I was going to stop smoking for good."
To help him quit, Dean used nicotine patches and lozenges, which he found worked extremely well. However, he believes that the support he received from his advisor, Sarah, played an equally important role in his success.
Dean says that the regular conversations they had helped him stay focused and gave him the opportunity to talk through what was working, how he was coping, and any challenges he faced along the way.
"The chats we had were very helpful. Talking through how I felt and how I was coping with not smoking really helped."
Stopping smoking also had a positive impact on Dean's family. Inspired by his success, other family members stopped smoking too, creating a healthier environment for everyone.
One of the things Dean enjoys most about being smokefree is knowing that he no longer smells of cigarettes.
"I like the fact that I can no longer smell smoke on me, and I know that others can't smell it either."
He also takes great pride in knowing that his granddaughter sees him as a non-smoker.
Since quitting, Dean has noticed a huge improvement in his energy levels. He now spends much more time outdoors, particularly in the garden, and says he feels healthier than ever.
"My health is great now. I have so much more energy. It's great."
Looking back, Dean says the support from Yorkshire Smokefree made all the difference. As well as the face-to-face support from Sarah, he found the text messages and ongoing encouragement helpful in keeping him on track.
Today, Dean has some simple but powerful advice for anyone thinking about quitting smoking:
"Mindset is everything. Tell yourself, 'I am going to stop', not 'I'll try to stop'. Believe in yourself - you can do it. You'll feel better for it."
Dean's story shows that with the right mindset, the right support, and a belief in yourself, it is possible to stop smoking for good.
