Frankie’s Story
“Quitting smoking changed my life – and my bank balance,” said 60-year-old Frankie from Stanley who works for Amazon. He smoked for over 30 years – around 100 cigarettes a week.
“I was spending £400 a month just to smoke,” he said. “The first thing I’d do every payday was go straight to the paper shop to pick up my cigs. It was just routine.”
Everything changed one night in March 2024 when Frankie realised how smoking was impacting his health.
“I woke up gasping for breath. I thought I was going to die – it was terrifying. I didn’t sleep the rest of the night – I just lay there worrying.”
The next day, it was on Frankie’s mind and something caught his eye on the Amazon noticeboard: ‘Stop Smoking – weekly sessions available on site.’
He scanned the code and got a message from Smokefree County Durham within 20 minutes. He said: “It felt like fate. I know it’s an addiction but I’d had enough. I joined the session the very next week and said to my mates at work ‘that’s it. I never want to see another cigarette again’.
Frankie quit on a Sunday morning in March 2024 – the start of his working week – with the help of Tanya from the Smokefree County Durham team and a free reusable vape.
“From day one they were brilliant. No pressure, no judgement – just real help. They even told me to text them anytime, day or night, if I needed support. They really cared how I was getting on and supported me 100%”
By the second week, his carbon monoxide reading had dropped from 23 (red) to 2 (green). “From that point, I stayed green every week. I’m proud of that. I’m really proud of myself.”
Now, he’s reducing the amount of time he’s using a vape, down from three refills a week to just one. And the difference in his health and finances is huge.
“I used to drive to the shop even if it was just a few hundred metres. Now I walk miles with the dog. My job’s easier, I feel fitter, and even the army cadet force I volunteer with – I used to be in the safety vehicle, now I’m out walking with them.”
But it’s the money that’s really added up. “I used to blow £400 a month on cigarettes. Now, every Friday when I get paid, I put that £100 in a tin. It’s my car fund – I’ve already saved up £7,400 and now I’ve spotted a car I want to buy. I’ve also booked a holiday in the lakes and the dog’s coming too!”
Frankie’s message to others is simple: “Quitting smoking has totally transformed my life and my income. You’ve got to want to do it, but the support makes all the difference and the treats help. Even if I only help one person by sharing my story, I’d be happy with that.
I’m proud of myself. I’m brill.”
