Pontefract resident Anthony first started smoking 35 years ago due to peer pressure from friends. Now, due to his increased poor health, Anthony decided to take a stand against tobacco and made the decision to quit smoking. We spoke with him following completing his course at Yorkshire Smokefree where he had some wise words to share with people who have recently started smoking.
What were your reasons for quitting?
In 2017, I was diagnosed with COPD. It rapidly became worse and by 2018 was diagnosed with severe emphysema
What helped you to quit and stay smoke free?
I used nicotine patches and had regular meetings on a 1:1 basis with a smoking cessation nurse who really understood and supported me throughout the programme.
Has your health improved since you quit and, if so, in what ways?
With severe emphysema I have accepted that it will never improve – it only get worse whether I smoke or not. But having stopped smoking I have prolonged the quality of my life.
What do you like about NOT smoking?
I seem to have more time; I don’t cough or wheeze as much and I feel a lot cleaner.
Do you have plans to treat yourself with the money saved?
I think our next holiday will be a five star vacation!
What would you say to anyone who has recently started smoking, or, if you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self before you smoked that first cigarette?
Take a seriously good look at some of the chronic diseases that can be caused by smoking. Think about quitting before it’s too late!
If you feel inspired by Anthony’s story and would like support in quitting smoking, register for a call back at: https://yorkshiresmokefree.nhs.uk/pages/callback-request
