A HYDE man who smoked up to 35 cigarettes a day for almost 30 years is urging others to quit after being diagnosed with the early stages of throat cancer.
John Sutton, 64, sought medical advice after he began losing his voice. Tests revealed the beginnings of throat cancer, for which he is now receiving treatment.
Having smoked for more than 28 years, the health scare prompted John to make a change. He has now gone three months without smoking a cigarette, with support from Be Well Tameside.
He said: “Since stopping smoking, I’ve found I can walk better, I can smell more and, according to my wife, I don’t smell of tobacco anymore.
“My doctor referred me to Be Well Tameside and they gave me an e-cigarette as I didn’t want to use nicotine gum. It’s really helped because I’ve been able to gradually reduce the amount I’m using.
“I’ve now not had a drag of a cigarette in three months.”
John hopes his experience will encourage other smokers to take the first step towards quitting.
His message to anyone considering giving up is simple: “Do it. It scared me, but you feel the difference very quickly and I’d encourage anyone to give it a go.”
His story comes during Stoptober, the annual campaign encouraging smokers to quit for 28 days, with Be Well Tameside helping more than 300 people stop smoking over the past year.
The service offers tailored support to help people find an approach that works for them, including its Swap to Stop scheme. Eligible residents can receive a free e-cigarette starter kit, including up to 12 weeks’ worth of e-liquid, alongside behavioural support.
Tameside Council’s First Deputy and Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Michael Smith, said: “John’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact smoking can have on our health, but also of the positive changes that can happen when people decide to quit. I wish him all the best for his continued treatment and thank John for taking the time to share his story in the hope of inspiring others to quit tobacco.
“Stopping smoking is one of the best things anyone can do for their health. Not only does it reduce the risk of serious illnesses, but many people quickly notice improvements in their breathing, fitness and overall wellbeing.”
Be Well Tameside provides free, confidential support to people who live, work or volunteer in Tameside, or have a GP in the borough. Help includes personalised quit plans, ongoing advice and access to stop-smoking aids, including nicotine replacement therapies.
For more information or confidential help to quit, visit www.tameside.gov.uk/bewelltameside or call 0161 342 5050.