Stoptober success: Melissa swaps smoking for walking, wild swimming and a new outlook on life
Melissa, a 48‑year‑old warehouse operative from Alvaston, is celebrating 14 months smokefree after 30 years of smoking – and has also stopped drinking alcohol and cut out caffeine. With support from Derby City Council’s Livewell service, she has transformed her physical and mental health and is now enjoying hiking, wild swimming and painting – and felt proud to be in the best shape of her life for her daughter’s wedding.
Smoking and drinking were a normal part of life growing up and Melissa had tried to quit many times before, including several previous attempts with Livewell.
“Smoking and drinking alcohol was normal when I was growing up. I’d tried to quit many times but something stressful would happen and I’d go back to it. I was desperate to stop to get my time and money back.”
Despite these setbacks, Melissa rejoined Livewell in 2025 determined to start a new chapter.
Structured support that made the difference
This time she received weekly one‑to‑one sessions with Livewell advisor Gubby, who helped her build a structured quit plan. After discussing the free nicotine products available, Melissa chose nicotine patches, which release nicotine slowly through the day to ease withdrawal symptoms.
Their sessions focused on setting clear goals and targets, understanding and managing triggers and reviewing progress and building confidence each week.
“Gubby helped me to understand my triggers, recognise them and deal with them differently. He suggested I try therapeutic activities like drawing and painting to keep my hands and mind busy.
Painting by numbers has become a favourite hobby and I’ve created personal artwork that made my daughter cry. I never had time for hobbies when I smoked.”
By the end of the programme, Melissa had completed all her sessions and remained smokefree – and she carried those tools into the rest of her life.
Breaking the cycle
Before rejoining Livewell, Melissa faced several long‑standing challenges. She smoked around 15–20 cigarettes a day and drank heavily every day, often feeling unwell and skipping meals. Her anxiety and low mood affected her relationships, and she felt stuck in a lifestyle she could not see a way out of.
“I felt stuck in a rut. I’d given up hundreds of times. This time I really wanted to look at my behaviour in more depth and break the cycle.”
She continues to use the same structured approach she learnt with Gubby – setting daily goals, managing triggers and reviewing her progress – and says it has made a “massive difference” to her mental wellbeing.
A new, active lifestyle
Today, Melissa feels like a different person.
“I feel so much happier and healthier. My whole outlook on life has changed since I’ve given up smoking, drinking alcohol and caffeine.
I’m able to enjoy being active and being outdoors. My skin is glowing; my hair is thicker and in better condition. I’m getting lovely compliments about my appearance, and I feel proud of the way I look now.”
She has taken up hiking, enjoys long walks with others and has started wild swimming, including sea swims that she plans to do regularly. Everyday activities feel easier without needing to stop for a cigarette or vape.
“When you’re smoking and drinking, you don’t feel great in yourself – you’re full of toxins and it adds to your stress. I’ve delved into a healthier lifestyle all round and I feel so much better.”
One of her proudest moments was walking her daughter down the aisle:
“It was fantastic to walk my daughter down the aisle feeling like the best version of myself.”
Melissa now wants to give something back by encouraging others to make positive changes, including plans to lead walks and support people who struggle to get out and be active.
“If you’ve tried before, don’t give up”
Melissa is honest that change has not been easy, especially while dealing with bereavement and other pressures. But she believes her story shows that long‑term change is possible, even after many previous attempts.
“I’d smoked since I was 13 and given up numerous times – even for 2½ years once – then started again after a stressful time.
Through Livewell’s help I put in the hard work and had extra support when I needed it most. Now I recognise my triggers and work through them – they don’t bother me in the same way.
My message to anyone thinking about quitting is: even if you’ve gone back to smoking before, pick yourself up and try again. With the right support, it can feel different.”
