A FATHER from Denton who smoked 30 roll-ups a day for almost 40 years says he feels healthier, sleeps better and is more active after finally giving up the habit.
Lee Wright, 50, decided to quit smoking after struggling with breathing and heart-related problems. Having tried and failed to give up two years ago, he decided this time would be different.
With support from Tameside Council’s Be Well Tameside stop smoking service, Lee completed a 12-week programme using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), including patches and nicotine chewing gum.
The service provided weekly phone calls, practical advice and support to help him find the right treatment.
Three months after quitting, Lee says he has already noticed a significant difference.
“It only took a few weeks to feel the benefit, and I sleep so much better,” he said.
His health was a major motivation, but Lee also wanted to set a good example for his 19-year-old son. His decision has since inspired two friends to begin their own journeys towards quitting.
Reflecting on the change, Lee said: “I knew it was the right thing to do and I feel completely different; I can see on my watch that my resting heart rates improved and I’m so much more active.”
Lee is now encouraging others thinking about giving up smoking or vaping during Stoptober to focus on the bigger picture.
“I would say think of the bigger picture to motivate you,” he said. “Stopping smoking has a positive knock-on effect not only on your health but you save so much money and your family benefits from it too. You’ll gain financially and they get a happier and healthier version of you. I wish I’d have done it earlier.”
He also praised the support he received from his health improvement worker, Sals, saying he never felt alone during the process and could see how passionate she was about helping people.
Tameside Council’s First Deputy and Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Michael Smith, said Lee should be proud of his achievement and encouraged other residents to seek help if they wanted to stop smoking.
The local authority has reported that Be Well Tameside helped 332 people quit smoking in the past year. Its free, confidential service offers personalised support and access to stop smoking aids, including nicotine replacement therapies.
Eligible residents can also access the Swap to Stop scheme, which provides a free vape starter kit and up to 12 weeks’ worth of e-liquid, alongside behavioural support.
The service is available to people who live, work, volunteer or have a GP in Tameside. Anyone looking for support can visit tameside.gov.uk/bewelltameside or call 0161 342 5050.