'Smoking was costing me in more ways than one'

A retired lorry driver who smoked up to 50 cigarettes a day said his decision to quit after 60 years had been "life-changing".

John Peacock was 16 when he first started smoking, describing it was "the norm" in the 1960s, with his habit going on to cost him up to £400 a month in later years.

But the 76-year-old from Thirsk said when he was told his heart was failing earlier this year he realised it was time to stop.

Mr Peacock, who quit with the help of North Yorkshire Council's smoke-free service, said: "I’ve been smoke free for three months now and don’t miss it at all."

"It’s been life-changing for me, and I’m determined to keep it this way," he said.

"I’ve noticed huge health improvements, joined the gym, am learning to swim and with the hundreds of pounds I’m saving, I’m spending the cash on my much-loved bikes.

"My only regret is if I had kicked the habit years ago.”

The council's Living Well Smokefree team offer free personalised service for six to 12 weeks to help smokers quit, which includes access to a local stop smoking advisor, a supply of nicotine replacement therapy and weekly one-to-one sessions.

Mr Peacock shared his story as part of the annual Stoptober campaign.

Figures from Action on Smoking and Health UK estimate that there are currently between 45,000 to 53,000 smokers in North Yorkshire, while figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest about six million adults smoked cigarettes in the UK in 2023.

Prof Deborah Withington also recently quit smoking after more than two decades following the birth of her grandson.

“I smoked 20 cigarettes a day for the past 25 years," she said.

"It was not only becoming too expensive, but with a new grandson in the house, I knew I had to stop."

The 60-year-old, who lives in Newton-Le-Willows in Richmondshire, is now celebrating being smoke-free for six months, which she said had saved her about £2,250.

"I love that my house and clothes smell fresh, my voice is not raspy and I’ve felt energetic when playing with my grandson," she says.

According to the NHS, around 64,000 people die from smoking-related illnesses in England each year.

Quitting can bring immediate health benefits and improve lung function and circulation.

North Yorkshire's director of public health, Louise Wallace, said: “Quitting can be difficult, but evidence shows you increase your chances of success with the right support, which is where our Living Well Smokefree service comes in.

"No matter how many years you have smoked, it is never too late to give it up.”

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