Phyllis, from Barnsley, sought our help to stop smoking at the age of 79. She's now smoke-free and wants to share her story with you.
I had been a smoker from the age of 15 and I'm now 79. That's a long time using tobacco but following the death of one of my children and numerous stays in hospital I thought it would be a good time to stop. I hate to see my grandchildren smoke, so want to do it for them and my other kids.
This wasn't my first quit attempt; I'd tried years ago but I lived next door to a working man's club and was surrounded by smokers all the time. By the time I got to my first appointment with Yorkshire Smokefree Barnsley I knew I could do it. I was determined to quit for good.
I spoke through all the medication and NRT options with my smoke-free advisor and decided I would like to try quitting tobacco and opted to switch to a vape. It was really helpful and helped me deal with cravings quickly. I used it as and when I needed it.
In addition to the vape I would say that the contact I had with my advisor was really helpful. I was able to use the telephone service and having someone on the other end of the phone to listen and talk was a big support to me.
Now I'm officially a non-smoker I've noticed I'm much closer to my family. When my great-grandchildren visit they want to be around me more and I think it's because I no longer smell of smoke. I also cough far less frequently and when I do I'm not coughing up as much rubbish as I had done in the past. I'm so happy to say I'm finally a non-smoker at the age of 79. I'd tell anyone to just use the service. They are really helpful. My advisor Julie was just a voice on my phone but she has been brilliant to talk to!
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