Metro Radio

WEEK 1

Mother of two, Amanda Thomson, 42, from North Shields, was inspired to quit smoking after watching the FRESH ‘Every Breath’ campaign advert which highlights the devastating effects of  COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) caused by smoking.

Since seeing the TV adverts, Amanda has visited her Local Stop Smoking Service in North Shields for advice and support and is determined to quit smoking once and for all.

“I have smoked since I was 11, when I tried my first cigarette with friends at school. Since then I have smoked up to 25 cigarettes a day and find cigarettes very addictive.

“I have tried quitting lots of times before, but when I first saw the Every Breath advert it really shocked me how the woman who has COPD in the advert could be me one day – just because of smoking. I have two young children and regularly take them to the park. So, to see the woman in the advert in a wheelchair and unable to play with her kids anymore really scared me and made me determined to seek help to quit smoking.

“I have not smoked now for four days. At first I felt ok, but today I’m finding it really hard with a strong urge to have a cigarette. My Local Stop Smoking Service is at North Shields library and they’ve been really helpful. With their support, I am now using patches as well as an inhalator which is providing me with some relief.

“My partner and both my kids are really behind me. My little boy keeps telling me to keep it up so that’s what I am going to do and I am determined to quit for them.”
If you’re like Amanda and would like to quit smoking once and for all, Stop Smoking Services in the North East offer the best chance for quitting smoking as you’re four times more likely to succeed. A range of support sessions, in health centres, community centres and pharmacies. Appointments can be made throughout the day, during the evenings and in some areas on Saturdays.

Visit yours today, or alternatively phone the National Smoking Helpline 0800 012 1612 or click on http://smokefree.nhs.uk/

For more about the Every Breath campaign, visit www.everybreath.tv or follow Fresh on Facebook here

WEEK 2

“It’s my second week of quitting and I’m determined to not start smoking again. I was smoking 25 cigarettes a day and having been to the Stop Smoking Service last week, it’s a week now until I’ll go to see them again. They’re at the end of the phone if I need to speak to them, though, which helps.

“It has been pretty tough, but I’m OK. I’m just trying to distract myself from thinking about smoking and when the children are here at home, it’s easier. I want to stop smoking partly for them, and there’s always more happening when they’re here, so I don’t think about smoking too much. But when they’re at school – that’s when I think about smoking more.

“I’ve found it’s good to keep busy and am getting all the housework done in good time – there’s no ironing waiting for me! If I feel like smoking I just find something else to do - I go for a walk to the shops, do some housework and it’s never too long until the kids finish school, so then I’m busy with them, making tea and getting them organised.

“I’m really pleased with how I’ve done so far. It’s not easy, but I’m doing it and I’m going to keep at quitting.”

If you’re like Amanda and would like to quit smoking once and for all, Stop Smoking Services in the North East offer the best chance for quitting smoking as you’re four times more likely to succeed. A range of support sessions, in health centres, community centres and pharmacies. Appointments can be made throughout the day, during the evenings and in some areas on Saturdays.

Visit yours today, or alternatively phone the National Smoking Helpline 0800 012 1612 or click on http://smokefree.nhs.uk/

For more about the Every Breath campaign, visit www.everybreath.tv or follow Fresh on Facebook here