Jonah’s story
“Quitting for my kids changed everything – including my career”: Jonah’s journey to a smoke-free life and a healthier future
When Jonah Morris from Whitley Bay found out he was going to become a father, everything changed.
“I always knew smoking was bad for your health,” Jonah, now 38, said. “But it wasn’t until I found out my wife Katherine was pregnant with our first son that it really hit me – I didn’t want my child to be breathing in poisons because of my smoking.”
Referred to his local NHS stop smoking service during an antenatal appointment, Jonah said the moment a nurse explained the dangers of second hand smoke to babies, it was a wake-up call.
“It really shocked me. I’d never properly thought about how smoke lingers – not just the smell, but the poisons in the air that stay on walls, clothes, and in the lungs of people around you. I knew I had to quit, and I did – just a week before Oliver was born.”
Jonah had started smoking in school, giving in to peer pressure like many young people do. By the time he quit, he was smoking up to 20 cigarettes a day. But fatherhood gave him the focus he needed to make a clean break – and the NHS provided the support that made it possible.
“Having the stop smoking service there was absolutely crucial. I don’t think I’d have stuck with it otherwise. My health visitor was amazing, and that extra support made all the difference. I had a whole new routine and a new life to focus on – being a dad.”
Now, 13 years on, Jonah and Katherine have two boys, Oliver, 13, and Dominic, 10. And that one decision – to protect his children from second-hand smoke – has transformed every aspect of his life.
“I feel like a completely different person. I exercise more, I took up cycling, and I now work for a cycling charity – a job I honestly don’t think I’d have if I hadn’t quit smoking. The physical and mental benefits have been huge. And we’ve probably saved tens of thousands of pounds as a family too.”
Jonah’s story is also a powerful argument for future smoke-free laws. He’s a strong supporter of plans to create a smoke-free generation by phasing out the sale of tobacco through the tobacco and vapes bill.
“Looking back, I wish I’d never started. If legislation can remove the temptation for the next generation, I’m all for it. I don’t want my boys to even have to think about taking up smoking. And for the NHS, reducing smoking means saving lives and saving money. Prevention is everything.”
He added: “Quitting for my kids was the best thing I’ve ever done. But I couldn’t have done it alone. The support I had from NHS services – and the timing, with that life change – made it possible. I’ll always be grateful for that.”