by Thomas Cox
Taking the decision to stop smoking can be daunting, but when you have a supportive adviser that need not be the case as Moira Guy’s story shows…
Before joining the Quit51 12 week programme Moira’s health was in a very bad state. She smoked 40 cigarettes per day and had been smoking since the age of 11 years old. ‘I simply couldn’t breathe, I was constantly out of breath and my health was very poor indeed’.
Moira, who is 65 years old, had tried a quit programme previously but didn’t get on with the advisor. ‘She had a bad attitude and talked down to me, she also didn’t give me the choice of medication, just forced Nicotine Replacement Therapy on me which didn’t suit me at all’.
‘The main reason I wished to quit this time around was the health issues as my health was on a chronic downward spiral, my chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was getting worse day by day and breathing was very difficult’
Moira claims to have been a bit apprehensive before joining the Quit 51 program this time around. ‘I was a little worried about which advisor I was going to get, I did want to quit but really needed that extra push in the right direction’.
‘I was absolutely delighted that Cath was my advisor, her enthusiasm, warmth and supportive ways was exactly what I required. We just clicked straight away!’ Moira continued to state that ‘Cath gave me a lot of inspiration and also gave me the freedom of choice to choose the medication which suited me best, unlike in my previous experience.’
Moira recently reached her 12 week quit date after having weekly one to one appointments with her adviser Cath Sixsmith at Donnington Medical Practice. ‘I never expected it to work out as well as it did. I knew how hard it was to quit, especially after previous efforts and because I had been a heavy smoker all those years.’
Moira attributed the reason behind her success to the warm and in depth interaction and weekly discussions with Cath, which were so valuable to making such a positive life change. ‘It really is a marvellous service, my health has improved no end and the benefits I feel now are tremendous. Cath really inspired me throughout.’
‘I would strongly recommend the service to others. Today I can breathe so much easier, I have a great deal more colour in my skin and my mobility is miles better. Last week I went to Wales on holiday and I actually walked without my oxygen tank, I even managed to have a paddle in the sea!’
Kick-start your stop smoking journey
If you want to live a healthier lifestyle like Moira then you can. Caring advice built around you and your needs is just a phone call or an email away.
Just contact Healthy Lifestyles on 01952 382582 or email healthylifestyles@telford.gov.uk. They’ll be able to put you in touch with your relevant Stop Smoking Service.