63-year-old Sharon from Derby, who has been a smoker for 50 years, is celebrating four months smoke-free – the longest period she has ever achieved. She sought support from Derby City Council’s Livewell service to quit smoking to improve her health and save money.
Sharon is encouraging other smokers in Derby to get support and free treatments from Livewell this National No Smoking Day on 12 March. This year's campaign highlights new data presented in the New Year, indicating that each cigarette reduces life expectancy by approximately 20 minutes. The theme, 'Take back your life this No Smoking Day,' aims to inspire the nation’s 6 million smokers to attempt quitting, regardless of past attempts.
After the loss of her husband and dog in 2024, Sharon became more aware of her own respiratory health. Living alone with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), she wanted to prevent her condition from worsening and avoid becoming reliant on oxygen.
Sharon, who has tried to stop smoking multiple times before, finally set her quit date on 31 October 2024 with her advisor, Niamh’s support.
“I had tried to quit with Livewell a few times before, but this time felt different due to my newfound determination and the use of a nicotine vape, which helped with the hand-to-mouth action, along with slow-releasing nicotine patches that significantly managed my cravings," Sharon explained.
“If I can quit after smoking 20 cigarettes daily for five decades while grieving for my husband and family pet, then anyone can. I couldn’t have done it without the support of the Livewell team – Niamh, Yasmin, and Andy in particular – who encouraged me at every drop-in and through text messages.
“I’ve been saving some of the money I would have spent on cigarettes in a jar, and I plan to open it on 1 November this year (when I’ll be one year smoke-free) to see how much I’ve saved.”
“My family and friends are proud of me, and even the nurse at my practice is amazed at how well I’ve done. I’m breathing much easier, no longer coughing, and the constant wheeze has disappeared. I can smell and taste better and have more energy. I’ve bought a treadmill to shed the extra pounds I’ve gained, and my next goal is to use nicotine-free e-liquid before stopping vaping completely. For now, I know it’s much less harmful than smoking tobacco and has been crucial in helping me reach this point.”
"My message to all smokers is to not give up on giving up smoking and to increase your chances of success by joining Livewell or your local stop smoking service.”
Inspired to quit?
Whatever your reason to stop smoking, join Livewell to get a personalised quit plan with free nicotine products for up to ten weeks and friendly support. Find out more and book your phone appointment online today.
