Turn the corner - Jeremy's story
Quitting smoking is one of the best things a smoker can do to improve their health and reduce the risk of serious illnesses.
There are lots of ways to stop, which can take a lot of the stress out of quitting. And you are three times more likely to quit successfully with support than with willpower alone.
Jeremy's story
Jeremy, from Wakefield, started smoking when he was 14 years old.
Decades later he quit smoking with help from his local stop smoking service.
And is now feeling happier and healthier.
Jeremy, from Wakefield, started smoking when he was 14 years old. Decades later he quit smoking with help from his local stop smoking service. And is now feeling happier and healthier.
Although Jeremy always wanted to quit, the years kept passing. Each time he set a milestone to stop, it came and went.
“I always knew I wanted to quit for my kids. I have three sons – I want to be around for them as long as I can and one day meet my grandchildren. I tried to hide smoking from them for years, but they knew. My eldest two started to worry about what it was doing to my health and made comments from time to time about quitting.
“I tried to quit a few times, but I’d end up thinking one cigarette wouldn’t hurt. Before you know it, you’re back to smoking again. Years turn into decades.
“Smoking ruined my teeth, drastically ruined my general fitness, I was getting out of breath very easily. I was facing chest pain daily, I smelled terrible and my fingers were stained. I knew how bad it was for me and I could see what it was doing to my appearance, but addiction is a hard thing to break.”
Like many smokers, Jeremy said the fear of serious illness was always in the back of his mind.
“As a smoker, you’re always worried about cancer. I couldn’t even say the word - it’s your biggest fear. It’s like the elephant in the room that you don’t want to talk about.
“Every doctor's appointment was difficult because there was always that fear it might be something serious.”
During one visit, his doctor suggested he try the local stop smoking service. Jeremy decided to get support from Smokefree Wakefield and worked with stop smoking advisor Carrie.
“Carrie was non-judgmental and kind. It was nice to talk to someone about quitting who didn’t get annoyed with me. I’d told people at work so many times that I was quitting that they’d stopped believing me.
“Carrie gave me patches and a nicotine inhalator which helped me to manage any cravings. It was the best thing I’ve ever done for my health, and I’ve now been smokefree for over two years.
“I have more energy, I can taste better, my sense of smell has improved, and I’ve taken steps to build my fitness back, like joining a gym and eating healthier.
“I’ve also saved a lot of money which has gone towards new clothes, holidays, days out with the kids. Quitting is helping me make memories with the people I quit for.”
His advice to others thinking about quitting is simple:
“All the attempts of trying to stop in a way educated me, preparing me for the next time. Just do it. There’s never going to be a perfect time. I used to tell myself I was too busy with work, too stressed, or that I’d wait until summer, but you just have to go for it.”
Find free, personalised support to stop smoking in Yorkshire and Humber.