AS Ramadan approaches, a doctor from Audenshaw is encouraging others to use the holy month as a springboard to quit smoking – after finally breaking free from a habit that had gripped him for nearly two decades.
Tajamal Hussain Shah, 41, says he tried and failed multiple times to give up, before succeeding with specialist local support.
He first started smoking at 24 while running a shisha café, and over time the occasional cigarette turned into a daily dependence of up to 20 a day. Although he managed to stop twice for six months, each attempt ended in relapse.
The real wake-up call came during a routine GP check.
“I discovered that my cholesterol levels were high,” Tajamal said. “As a doctor, I’m very aware of the combined risks of high cholesterol and smoking, especially when it comes to cardiovascular health. That clinical insight pushed me to seek proper, structured support rather than continue trying to quit on my own.”
Rather than relying on willpower alone, he signed up to a 12-week stop-smoking programme with Be Well Tameside. Regular check-ins and advice on nicotine replacement options, including vapes, helped him stay on track.
“The accountability made all the difference,” he explained. “I wasn’t going through withdrawal alone. The team monitored my progress, helped me manage cravings, and gave me the tools to make sure this quit attempt was permanent.”
He says the difference since quitting has been striking. Breathing has improved, energy levels are higher and he no longer worries about the smell of smoke lingering on his clothes. While he still occasionally uses a vape, he now has many nicotine-free days and feels back in control.
With Ramadan on the horizon – a time when many Muslims already abstain from smoking during daylight hours – he believes it can be a powerful moment to quit for good.
“I’d strongly encourage anyone thinking about quitting to take the first step now,” he said. “Smoking has undeniable long-term health implications, but you don’t have to rely on willpower alone. Be Well Tameside are incredibly professional and experienced. With their help, what feels like a difficult personal challenge becomes a manageable, guided process.”
Local stop-smoking services say demand often rises around Ramadan, as people use the period of fasting and reflection to reset habits.
Support to quit smoking is available year-round in Tameside at www.tameside.gov.uk/bewelltameside or by calling 0161 342 5050.