"I received a call from Riverside Medical Centre asking about my smoking status and whether I would like support to quit.
Following that conversation, I was referred to Yorkshire Smokefree Wakefield.
I started smoking when I began work at 19 and continued after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (“MS”) in 2011. Over the years, I made several attempts to quit, but my asthma was becoming increasingly severe. A spirometry test even showed that my lung function was comparable to that of a 92-year-old!
Before stopping smoking, I often struggled to breathe and relied on inhalers during both the day and night. Since quitting, my breathing has improved significantly, and I now only occasionally need an inhaler at night.
I have been working with Clare at Roundhill Working Men’s Club and have now been smoke-free for 12 weeks. As part of my support, Clare referred me to the Coalfields Regeneration Scheme, where I have accessed free nutritional advice and gentle exercise sessions with a personal trainer to help manage my symptoms.
Living with MS can be extremely painful, but since stopping smoking I feel I have more oxygen in my blood, less lethargy and improved mobility. Although the pain remains, it is now more manageable, and quitting smoking has had a positive impact on my overall quality of life".
Ruth, Wakefield.
Congratulations on your quit, Ruth. Clare and the team are proud of you and everything you have achieved so far!
