Alan’s Journey to a Smoke-Free Life: Celebrating Four Months of Success
Alan is celebrating being smokefree after more than 50 years of smoking. The 68-year-old from Shelton Lock was determined to quit for the sake of his family and his health.
He credits his success to the invaluable support from Derby City Council’s Livewell service. The combination of friendly encouragement from his Livewell advisor, Charlotte, along with free nicotine patches and a vape, provided him with the tools he needed to quit smoking.
It was during Christmas 2024 that Alan experienced a near-fatal heart attack. Although he managed to quit smoking for four months, sudden bad news led him to relapse - a decision he deeply regrets. Around the same time, Alan, who also manages type 2 diabetes, was diagnosed with kidney cancer.
At his cardiology check-up at the Royal Derby Hospital in late 2025, he was advised that quitting smoking would be the best thing he could do for his health, and he agreed to be referred to Livewell for support. Further motivated by the desire to see his grandchildren grow, Alan vowed to stop smoking for good this time.
Through a phone appointment with Charlotte, who provides personalised face-to-face support for Derby’s social housing tenants, Alan started his quit journey. As a Metropolitan Housing tenant, he attended Charlotte’s weekly drop-ins at Filbert Walk in Shelton Lock for advice, to collect his free products and to have regular carbon monoxide checks.
Alan recalls: “Determined to improve my health, I realised I was spending more time smoking outside than with my family. Family meals were interrupted by my frequent cigarette breaks, which worried my loved ones. They hated the smell of stale smoke in my flat, were worried about my health and urged me to give up the cigarettes. Charlotte encouraged me to choose a quit date, which I set for 6 January, the day my cigarettes ran out. Her advice helped me manage cravings by keeping my hands busy and taking walks. Now, I enjoy long walks without getting breathless, something I struggled with before. The vape kept my hands occupied, but now I use it only occasionally.”
Encouraged by his lowering carbon monoxide levels, which reduced to the level of a non-smoker within two weeks, Alan could see the tangible health benefits of quitting. With the help of his daughter, Alan deep cleaned his flat, transforming it into a fresh-smelling home.
Reflecting on the broader impact, Alan shares, “I have more energy and surprisingly, I’m less irritable. I once feared quitting would make me short-tempered, but it turns out it was the nicotine addiction causing my irritability. With the money saved, I’ve enjoyed holidays to Scarborough and Skegness – a much better investment than cigarettes. I proudly shared my progress with my diabetic nurse who was pleased as punch and I’m anticipating positive feedback from my cardiologist too.”
Alan’s success has inspired him to champion quitting smoking among his neighbours, distributing Livewell leaflets as a resource when they decide to make the change.
Charlotte Kenny, Livewell Advisor, comments: “Supporting Alan to achieve a smoke-free life has been a pleasure. Relapses can happen and are common, but Alan’s story proves that with the right support and nicotine products, success is possible.”
Inspired to quit smoking?
Social housing residents interested in quitting smoking are invited to drop by for a friendly chat with Charlotte, who has already helped numerous individuals experience the health and financial benefits of becoming smoke-free. Find location and time details on the Livewell website.
Livewell also offers free phone appointments to get started with drop-in sessions all over Derby to pick up free nicotine products or vapes and receive ongoing support. Find out more and book an appointment online on the Livewell website.