Linda’s Story
Linda’s Story: Living with COPD and choosing a Smokefree Future
Linda, 65, from Sunderland, smoked for 47 years. She started at 18 while working in catering and hotels in the Lake District. “I finished a shift one night and had one cigarette. But that’s how it started,” she recalls. Before long, she was smoking up to 30 cigarettes a day, turning to hand-rolled tobacco when costs became too high.
Over the years, smoking took a huge toll on her health. Ten years ago, a chest infection led to a diagnosis of COPD and emphysema. “I was fed up with being ill, coughing all the time and having constant headaches. I no longer experience these headaches or cough since I stopped smoking she says. Despite knowing the risks, the addiction kept her smoking until earlier this year.
COPD has profoundly affected Linda’s life. A couple of years ago, she had to leave work because her condition made daily tasks exhausting. “I can’t even do as much housework like I used to do. I would find it difficult to get upstairs these days. I’ve got to have support getting in and out of the bath. I feel weaker, and some days are better than others.”
Yet Linda found the strength to stop – this time with the support of Sunderland Stop Smoking Service and her family. “Christine, my advisor, was amazing. I had a phone appointment, chose patches and a vape, and I’ve never smoked since. From the day I received those patches I felt so positive. I was full of smiles every time I spoke to Christine.”
A huge motivator was Linda’s desire to protect her family. Her son Simon and daughter-in-law Brooke stopped alongside her, and all three are now using vapes instead of cigarettes. “I didn’t want Simon and Brooke getting COPD like I have,” she explains.
Reflecting on her journey, Linda says: “I wish I could turn the clock back because of COPD caused by smoking. But at least now I’ll never smoke again.”
Linda has now been smokefree for 5 months. She feels positive and confident: “For the first time I can honestly say I am a non-smoker. If I can do it, anyone else can because I was a very heavy smoker.”
Linda wishes she had stopped sooner and wants others to know it’s never too late to stop and protect their lungs.
Her advice for anyone thinking about stopping is simple: use the support available. “I hope people use the Stop Smoking Services where they live as I did – and get the help. Not everyone is the same, but there is support to help you stop.”
Linda’s story is an important reminder that while COPD cannot be reversed, stopping smoking can slow its progression, improve quality of life, and protect loved ones from the risks of smoking.
Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. For support to quit smoking, give the Sunderland Stop Smoking Service a call on 0800 169 9913.
