Ian’s Story

Northumberland man Ian, 67, on why stopping smoking is one of the best things he’s ever done – and why local support makes all the difference.

“I started smoking when I was about 14 or 15. Me and a mate pinched a couple of cigarettes off his sister one morning before school, and that was it. Back then you didn’t really think about it – everyone seemed to smoke, and it just became part of life. I’d do my milk round and paper round and spend what little money I had on cigarettes. Before long I was smoking 20 to 25 a day.”

For more than 50 years, smoking was part of Ian’s daily routine. He’d tried to quit before, especially after losing part of his leg following an accident in 2007, but like many people, found himself drawn back to cigarettes. “When I was in hospital, I couldn’t smoke. But once I was home again, it started creeping back in. It’s just what I was used to.”

That all changed earlier this year when Ian, now 67, received a text message from his GP surgery about Northumberland’s Stop Smoking Service. “It just said I’d been identified as somebody who smokes through my records and asked if I wanted help to stop. I thought, ‘why not?’ It was my health that pushed me to do it. I knew if I didn’t stop now, it was only going to get worse.”

Ian started attending sessions at his local stop smoking clinic and was supported by Brenda and then Mark from the service. “They were brilliant. Brenda talked me through my options, and I decided to use nicotine patches. At first, I was still blowing red on the CO monitor, but a few weeks later I was down to three – and that felt amazing. I’d finally done it.”

He stopped smoking completely in March and hasn’t looked back since. “It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. The cravings still come and go, but I just tell myself I don’t want one. You’ve got to persevere and believe in yourself.”

The difference in his health has been noticeable. “I don’t cough as much in the mornings now. Food tastes better, and I just feel better in myself. My breathing’s improved too, which is a big thing for me.”

 

Asked how proud he feels, Ian smiles. “Really proud. I’ve smoked for most of my life, so to be smoke-free now feels brilliant. I’ve saved money too – it’s shocking when you think how much cigarettes cost these days.”

He credits the local stop smoking service for helping him succeed. “I couldn’t have done it without them. They give you advice, support, and they keep you going when you feel like giving up. It’s not just about patches or products – it’s about having someone there who believes in you.”

Ian’s advice to anyone thinking about stopping? “Just give it a go. Everyone’s different, but if I can do it after 50 years, anyone can. You’ll feel better, save money, and you’ll be proud of yourself. There’s nothing to lose –  and everything to gain.”