Jason’s Story

“I didn’t want to be the smoking grandad”

Smokefree County Durham has supported thousands of people to quit smoking, helping them reclaim their health and improve their lives. For Jason Lunt, 39, from Usher Moor in County Durham, the motivation to finally stop after nearly three decades came from one life-changing moment – seeing the scan picture of his first grandchild.

Jason grew up in the West End of Newcastle and started smoking at just 11 years old.

“It was the usual reasons – wanting to fit in, wanting to look cool. A lot of people around me smoked. Before I knew it, I was addicted.”

Over the years, smoking became part of his daily life. At his peak, he was smoking up to 30 roll-ups a day.

“I’d wake up and have a cigarette straight away. I tried to stop smoking loads of times, but it would last only a day or two and then I’d be back on it.”

Things changed when his stepdaughter Courtney told him she was expecting a baby and showed him the scan picture.

An emotional Jason said “I was shocked when she showed me the scan. I kept it in my wallet. Every time I looked at it, I thought, that’s it. I can’t be the smoking grandad. I don’t want to stink of smoke around him. I don’t want him growing up thinking it’s normal.”

Jason knew he wanted to be there for his grandson.

“I want to see him grow up. I don’t want to be around for just a few years and then get seriously ill. I want to be an old grandad he can come to when he grows up.”

 Local support makes all the difference

In September last year, Jason reached out to Smokefree County Durham during Stoptober. The service’s approachable, tailored support made all the difference.

“I felt excited. It was different this time. I really wanted to do it.”

Over 12 weeks, Jason received regular check-ins, expert guidance, and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). He experimented with different tools – lozenges, patches, and gum – and found what worked best for him.

“The gum was good – I liked that. It helped take the edge off when cravings hit. I’d say don’t just give up if the first thing you try doesn’t work. There are loads of options. Stick with it and find what suits you.”

Quitting smoking transformed Jason’s life. April 2025 saw him taking up Thai boxing, something he couldn’t have done while smoking.

“My cardio is miles better. I can breathe properly. Food tastes better. No lingering smell of smoke. More money in my pocket. It’s mint.”

 

Jason is honest about the journey: “There were a couple of slips. I felt guilty, but I didn’t give up. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about keeping going.”

With his grandson due in April, Jason is full of excitement. “I’ve already bought him loads of clothes. I just can’t wait to meet him.”

 Advice for anyone thinking of quitting

“It’s never too late. Even if you’ve smoked for decades. You’ll breathe better, feel better, and have more money in your pocket. And if you’ve got a reason – like I have – hold onto it.”

To the team at Smokefree County Durham, he says: “Thank you. I really appreciate everything you did.”

 Local stop smoking services like Smokefree County Durham really work. They provide expert guidance, personalised support, and the tools to help people quit for good. If you’re thinking of quitting, reach out – it could change your life.