She said: “I started smoking when I was 11 after my friend offered me a cigarette one day on the way home from school. It was the in thing back then and I didn’t think anything of it, but when my parents found out they were not happy. However, once I left school and started earning my own money I could spend it on what I wanted.

“I smoked 20 a day and when I was younger I never thought about quitting. However, as the cost of cigarettes kept increasing over the years, I did start to think I would be better off if I stopped smoking but I never tried to stop. Then eighteen years ago, my husband who was a heavy smoker sadly passed away from a stroke. I still continued to smoke as I wasn’t in the right mindset to stop and it eventually affected my health too. When I was 58, I had a brain haemorrhage and I was told that smoking was a contributing factor. The doctors tried to persuade me to quit, but I didn’t listen.

“Two years later, I was diagnosed with COPD which has made life very difficult. I was out of breath all of the time – even doing the simplest of tasks like going upstairs, doing housework would leave me fighting for breath. It was scary and had a huge impact on me both personally and at work.”

Heather used to be a part-time cleaner at Salford City Council and retired in February 2022 after sixteen years of service. Now she is enjoying a smokefree retirement after getting support from her local stop smoking service.

“I did try to quit a couple of times in the past and even managed to go smokefree for four months. However, I relapsed when a stressful event happened. Then in February 2021 I decided to give quitting another go as I felt it was the right time. I knew I needed support to quit so I contacted Health Improvement Service in Salford.

“My stop smoking advisor helped me choose the correct treatment for me, and I quit on day eight using stop smoking medication. I also used the Health Improvement Service’s Stop Smoking Facebook page so I could get advice and support from others trying to quit. I found this really helpful and I’m now an admin on the page giving tips and advice to others. At the time, I didn’t think I would make it past the first day or month and here I am a year later completely smoke free.”

Heather’s friends and family are really proud of her for quitting and her partner, Paul, hopes to follow in her footsteps. He has significantly cut down the amount of cigarettes he smokes and is hoping to eventually stop for good after seeing the benefits to Heather’s health.

“Stopping smoking has made a huge difference as I feel 100% better. My breathing has improved, and my COPD is no longer an issue: When I used to walk home from work, I used to have to take a break halfway up the hill. After 4 months smoke free – I no longer had to stop. I have more energy and I love going walking, so I go out at least once a day.

“My taste has improved, and I now enjoy food much more. I’ve even managed to control my weight with the help of the free weight support group delivered by the Health Improvement Service.

“One of the other biggest benefits is how much I have saved since quitting. Smoking was costing me a fortune and every month was a struggle, especially with working part-time. But now you should see my bank balance, I have to keep checking it to see how much I’ve saved. I’ve recently bought myself a brand new 2-seater and 3-seater sofa, and I’ve been going out and treating myself to nice things. It’s been lovely.

“My advice to others wanting to quit is give it a go, take one day at a time, and try and change your routine. I’ve found keeping my hands busy really helps, so take up a hobby such as crosswords, games and colouring books. Sipping water also helped dealing with cravings.”