A FORMER smoker from Wombwell is backing a campaign aimed at getting others to quit the habit - and he says stopping has made a ‘big difference’ to his life.
Peter Davis had smoked for more than 60 years when he quit so he could get the knee replacement surgery he needed.
He used to be a lorry driver and started smoking when he was 16.
Since quitting, he says that his health and bank balance has improved - and praised the support he received from Barnsley stop smoking service with helping him to quit after such a long time.
He said: “I needed a new knee so knew I needed to quit.
“I just got it into my head that I was going to quit so I set a quit date and booked an appointment at my local stop smoking clinic.
“After the first few days it was easy - I only wish I’d done it sooner.
“The clinic was so helpful - they gave me a vape which really helped me.
“I was so pleased every time I went when I could see my CO readings going down.
“Meeting with my advisor every week made me want to stay quit - it wasn’t just that I didn’t want to let myself down but I didn’t want to let them down either.
“My breathing is a lot better and I don’t cough at all now. It’s much easier to take the dog for a walk - I used to be chain smoking on dog walks, now I don’t even take the vape.
“I have saved an unbelievable amount of money as I was a heavy smoker - it’s made a big difference to my wallet.
“I only wish I’d done it sooner as it was easier than I thought it would be.”
Peter’s plea coincides with the launch of the ‘Turn the Corner’ campaign being coordinated by the Centre for Excellence in conjunction with all 15 local authorities across Yorkshire and Humber and Yorkshire Cancer Research, who are committed to/ reducing smoking/ and protecting/ local communities from the harms of tobacco./
The campaign, which launches this week and was filmed in the region and will run across TV, radio and social media - with a powerful message that every cigarette takes 20 minutes off your life.
Sarah Hepworth, associate director of South Yorkshire Tobacco Control Alliance, added: “Smoking is not a choice but an addiction that starts in childhood and kills at least one in two long-term users - too many people in South Yorkshire still die early.
“This campaign is so important to inspire people to think about quitting once more, and to remind them that support is available locally.
“We offer a wide range of options to help people quit, including telephone, face-to-face and online support via our community Stop Smoking Services, alongside nicotine replacement therapy, Varenicline or a vape and now people can also access the Smokefree app too.
“This campaign shows that quitting smoking is one of the best things anyone can do for their health, and it’s never too late to make a positive change.”
