It comes as a new national survey of 3,000 people released ahead of Stoptober shows nearly all (95%) ex-smokers see positive changes in their life as early as two weeks after quitting, including:

•  Having more energy
•  Feeling healthier
•  Improved breathing
•  Saving money
• Sense of taste returning
•  Healthier looking skin

The new data was announced as OHID’s national quit smoking campaign Stoptober returns to encourage smokers to quit this October, highlighting both the immediate benefits and long-term gains ex-smokers can expect after quitting.

Smoking remains the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death, with around 5,700 adults in Greater Manchester dying every year from smoking-related causes.

Dr Matt Evison, Clinical Lead for Greater Manchester’s Making Smoking History programme, said: “Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and wellbeing.

“This Stoptober, remember that the benefits of quitting smoking are real and immediate. Your body begins its healing journey very quickly. Within as little as 24 to 48 hours after your last cigarette, the poisonous carbon monoxide exits your bloodstream, while your lungs actively clear out mucus. What’s more, the longer you stay smokefree, the lower your risk of other serious health issues like heart attacks, cancer, and lung diseases.

“Don’t be disheartened if you’ve tried to quit smoking in the past and haven’t been successful. Every attempt you make brings you one step closer to giving up smoking for good. Make a plan and seek as much support as you need –this will make you much more likely to succeed.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy said: “Over the past 12 years Stoptober has helped over two and a half million people make a quit attempt. However, while smoking rates are in decline, there are over five million adults in England who still smoke, so it’s vital we support everyone to go smokefree. Quitting will improve your health whatever your age and no matter how long you have smoked. It’s never too late to stop. I encourage you to give it a go.”

Stoptober is based on evidence showing that if you can make it to 28 days smokefree, you’re five times more likely to quit for good. This year’s new campaign – ‘When you stop smoking, good things start to happen’ – is designed to highlight the immediate benefits smokers can expect when they stop smoking.

Dad of two Ollie, a healthcare assistant from Bury, quit smoking after switching to a vape.

He said: “I bought two or three vapes a week at first, just to see me through the cravings. They really help in those moments and I tell other people – cut down, see how you go. Use something like vapes to fill that gap.

“I started smoking when I was in an awful state and every time I got stressed, I’d smoke. But it’s behind me now. I’m never going back to smoking.

“Since quitting, I’ve got more energy and my money is lasting longer. My kids have noticed too.

Campaigner, broadcaster and former Love Islander Malin Andersson, also a former smoker, is joining the campaign this year too. She said: “I quit two years ago because I was pregnant but was amazed to discover there are so many other benefits to stopping smoking, such as being able to breathe easier, I had more energy and just felt so much healthier. I used to smoke 8-10 cigarettes a day for 8 years  – so I know how hard it can be to quit, but after seeing these improvements, I had to stick with it. This could be you too!”

For free, personalised support to stop smoking in Greater Manchester, speak to your GP, pharmacist, or call the NHS Stop Smoking Helpline on 0300 123 1044.

Greater Manchester residents can also get six months’ free access to the Smoke Free app – usually worth £60 – by signing up online at www.smokefreeapp.com/GM (T&Cs apply).