We were approximately 12 and 16 years old when we started smoking, we both smoked for up to 50 years.
We started smoking because it was cool and because all my friends were doing it and smoked between 16 and 20 cigarettes.
The reasons we quit was due to serious health conditions for both of us, we accessed the service via telephone support and would rate it 10/10!
We both used Champix and were very very helpful, we even felt the effects of the Champix within the first week.
We definitely helped each other to quit and stay smokefree, P once went out for a meal and was offered a cigarette nad it was lovely to be able to tell G that she has said no and how amazing it is to say 'I don't smoke'.
Our advisor was also great, very down to earth but we asked for someone who would 'kick our asses' and that's exactly what she did, we all worked very well together.
Our smell and taste have improved, this happened straight away and it's great not to smell of smoke.
Since quitting we have managed to do quite a few things that we couldn't do whilst smoking, it's being able to sit and chat without disturbance when I am out, could potentially smoke 5 cigs within 2 hours.
Now a days we can spend our money on things we like instead of cigarettes, this was becoming a worry as we are both retired, its amazing we could always find money for cigs though.
Within the first month we saved exactly £374, it's now been a year so that's loads of money.
Now a days we spend money on treats, holidays and our house without worrying about our finances.
What would you say to anyone who has recently started smoking, or, if you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self before you smoked that first cigarette?
Put it down, don't do it! Spend your money on something you can see, not something that will rot your insides. If you can get through to one person and save their life, you can save the world.
