For Sally, the decision to stop smoking was driven by two important factors - her health and the rising cost of cigarettes. Having been diagnosed with COPD, she knew that quitting smoking would help her manage her condition and improve her quality of life.
Although Sally had tried to stop smoking many times in the past, she had never managed to stay smokefree for long. Because of these previous attempts, she approached her first appointment with Yorkshire Smokefree with a mixture of hope and uncertainty.
"I really hoped I could stop smoking, but because I had tried so many times before, I wasn't sure I could do it."
With support from her advisor, Sarah, Sally began using a vape through the Swap to Stop scheme. She quickly realised that this was the right approach for her, although she admits it took time and patience. Most importantly, she trusted Sarah's encouragement when she was told, "You can do this."
One of the most powerful moments in Sally's quit journey came from seeing the results of her carbon monoxide (CO) readings. At her first appointment, her CO reading was 11, which came as a shock. Four weeks later, after successfully quitting smoking, her reading had dropped to just 1.
"I was so happy. Seeing that improvement really helped me stay on track."
Since becoming smokefree, Sally has enjoyed many benefits. With the money she has saved, she has been able to pay for her living room to be redecorated. Now, every time she walks into the room, she appreciates the fresh smell and the reminder of how far she has come.
"I love being a non-smoker. The fresh smell when I walk into my living room is just brilliant."
Although COPD is a lifelong condition, Sally says stopping smoking has made a huge difference to how she feels and has helped her manage her symptoms more effectively. She has more energy and particularly enjoys being able to spend more time walking her dog.
Looking back, Sally says the face-to-face support she received from her advisor, Sarah, was invaluable.
"Having that level of support has been amazing. I never felt judged for being a smoker who had tried to quit before. I thought they might judge me because I'd tried so many times, but that was never the case. I just felt supported throughout my quit."
Today, Sally is enjoying the benefits of being smokefree, breathing easier, saving money, and taking pride in the healthier future she has created for herself.
"Don't let previous quit attempts put you off. With the right support and someone who believes in you, you really can do it."
Well done Sally. You've worked so hard for this and the benefits are now starting to be felt! Keep it up!
(stock image for illustration purposes only)
