‘I can now blow up my grandson's birthday balloons’: Northampton man reflects on life-changing decision to quit smoking
A Northampton man who smoked for more than 35 years has described the health and financial benefits of finally quitting for good.
Peter Law, aged 79, from Weston Favell, celebrated one year smoke-free earlier this year after receiving help from West Northamptonshire Council’s free stop smoking service.
Peter had previously attempted to quit around 30 years ago using willpower alone but was unsuccessful.
This time, he received face-to-face support at a stop smoking hub, fortnightly telephone calls from an advisor and free nicotine replacement products.
Peter said his advisor helped him identify situations he associated with cigarettes, including drinking coffee on his patio, visiting the pub, playing golf and spending time at his allotment.
He said: “It's a partnership in a way, it's somebody that's there for you, for support but also someone I could brag to when I’d done well.”
Concerns about his health provided a major incentive to stop.
After suffering persistent breathing problems, Peter visited his doctor and was told he could have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a long-term condition which can make breathing more difficult.
He said: “They said I could have COPD and that it would only get worse if I carried on smoking.
“They asked if I wanted help to quit. I said yes and I think I got a call from the service within a day or two.”
Peter previously spent around £20 a day on cigarettes and now puts the money aside, allowing him to enjoy holidays, new clothes and other treats.
But one of the biggest signs of his improved health came during a family holiday when he was able to blow up balloons for his grandson.
“I couldn’t have done that 12 months ago,” he said. “My grandson thought it was brilliant. He kept saying ‘Blow it up Grandad, blow it up’, and this time Grandad could blow it up. Amazing.”
West Northamptonshire Council’s free stop smoking service offers behavioural support alongside stop smoking aids including nicotine replacement products.
People can find out more through the council’s stop smoking service, email [email protected] or call 0300 126 5700, option one.