TWO friends from Tameside have told how their lives have changed after they went on the journey of quitting smoking together.
Mark Bruniges and Kirsty Ditchfield encouraged each other to kick the habit for good.
The pair, who have been friends for 16 years, referred themselves to Be Well Tameside and are sharing their experiences as part of Stoptober – a national campaign held every October, urging people to give up smoking.
Mark had been smoking since the age of 14 and finally made the decision to quit after suffering with a constant cough.
The 63-year-old from Ashton-under-Lyne was being diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD), which had remained untreated.
Meanwhile, Kirsty was smoking 20 cigarettes a day and also wanted to stop for health reasons and her children.
The 35-year-old from Hyde had previously attempted to stop smoking several times but found it difficult when it came to holding herself accountable.
Mark and Kirsty have been family friends for years after Mark worked with Kirsty’s grandparents and parents. Kirsty heard about Be Well Tameside through word of mouth and suggested they both get in touch.
The pair wanted to inspire others who are considering stopping smoking this Stoptober. Evidence suggests that smokers who try quitting for 28 days are then five times more likely to quit for good.
Be Well Tameside offered both Kirsty and Mark a range of stop smoking aids and they both decided to try vape kits, through Be Well Tameside’s Swap to Stop scheme, and face-to-face appointments, where they set regular achievable goals and created coping strategies.
“By both me and Mark using the same method it motivated us both and helped me stick to it, as we were on the journey together,” said Kirsty.
“I found the face-to-face appointments really useful as it helped me set clear boundaries and allowed me talk through issues I was facing and how I could overcome them.”
Agreeing with Kirsty, Mark added: “I never thought I’d be able to quit for good, but I’ve found the support from Kirsty and Be Well Tameside so helpful, as it’s exactly what I needed to hold myself accountable.”
Kirsty said: “I’ve been able to join in with circuit training in the gym and I can even run comfortably now without getting breathless, which I wasn’t able to do before.
“By stopping smoking it’s changed my life for the better, as my house feels cleaner and I’m financially better off as I no longer need to spend money on tobacco and cigarettes.”
Mark commented: “My house is also cleaner and smells much nicer, and I’ve noticed a massive improvement in my physical and mental health.
“I would definitely recommend Be Well Tameside to any other smokers who are wanting to start their journey to stopping smoking for good, as they made the entire process easier than I could have ever imagined.”
Be Well Tameside also offers telephone support and nicotine replacement therapies (patches, gum and lozenges), Zyban, Cytisine and Champix.
Residents can get six months free access to 24/7 stop smoking support through the Greater Manchester Smokefree App. Stop smoking support can also be accessed by speaking to your GP or local pharmacy.
More information can be found by emailing bewelltameside@tameside.gov.uk, visiting www.tameside.gov.uk/bewelltameside or calling 0161 342 5050.