What made you decide to join Yorkshire Smokefree?
Smoking was controlling my life - it dictated my work breaks, my hobbies and my home life. I couldn't even drive anywhere spontaneous without calculating how many fags I'd need and pre-rolling them. I also couldn't hike anymore which is something I love.
Tell us about your experience of the health issues that meant you needed our services?
I couldn't walk uphill at all meaning hiking was not possible, this in turn affected my mental health as I couldn't do the thing I loved. My mental health was massively affected by smoking. My work breaks consisted of me running to the smoking area and back very quickly meaning I had no break at all.
What has the reaction of the Yorkshire Smokefree team been to your situation?
When I first blew a 47 on the CO reader, the advisor was so shocked it showed how heavy a smoker I was. I was in denial and told them I smoked 20-25 a day in reality it was 25-30+. They have been so supportive and helpful.
What have the Yorkshire Smokefree team done for you? How have they helped?
I get regular meetings with an advisor who knows exactly what I'm going through. Each question I ask, they know the answer to and advise.
What were the most positive changes you made to your lifestyle?
I can hike again, I have been walking the peaks gradually - this is something I love. I even spent New Years Eve on Mamtor watching the fireworks, it was fabulous!
How has stopping smoking changed your life?
My mental health has improved, smoking is so bad for stress but I saw it as a stress reliever, when really all I needed was to get away from the situation.
Has anything in particular helped you through your problems?
Doncaster Stop Smoking Service have been brilliant, the advisors helped me every step of the way.
Is there anything that you feel particularly proud of, that you may not have been able to do before you received support from us?
I wouldn't have been able to stop smoking at all without them, I wouldn't have spent a romantic New Years Eve on Mamtor looking down on the fireworks.
I am now looking into walking the Kings Trail in Sweden. When I was a smoker I wouldn't have dreamed of this. Stopping smoking has really given me my life back.
