A mother and daughter who smoked for decades have transformed their health and wellbeing after quitting smoking together with support from Wellbeing for Life.
Julie Wilson, 63, and her daughter Tina Irving, 43, had both begun experiencing health problems linked to smoking when they decided it was time to make a change.
With support from Nikki Williams, a Wellbeing for Life Community Connector, they took on the challenge together and are now celebrating seven months smoke-free.
Julie had smoked for 47 years, at times smoking up to 40 cigarettes a day. She struggled with breathlessness and fatigue at work, which made everyday activities increasingly difficult.
Tina had smoked for around 30 years and regularly experienced wheezing, chest infections and difficulty exercising.
Despite knowing the impact smoking was having on their health, quitting after so many years felt like a significant challenge.
Supporting each other to quit
Tina, who works as a Wellbeing Practitioner with Wellbeing for Life, is passionate about helping others improve their health and wellbeing.
Having worked closely with Nikki, she became one of her first stop smoking clients. This gave Tina an additional motivation to succeed, and she and Julie decided to support each other through the process.
With help from Wellbeing for Life, they attended regular local appointments and used vapes and nicotine replacement patches to manage their cravings.
Quitting together meant they could encourage one another through difficult moments, share their progress and hold each other accountable.
Within weeks, both women saw their carbon monoxide readings fall to levels associated with non-smokers. They also began noticing improvements in their breathing, energy levels and overall wellbeing.
Julie was later diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She believes stopping smoking has helped prevent her condition from getting worse.
A healthier future and more money to enjoy it
Seven months on, both Julie and Tina are enjoying the benefits of being smoke-free.
Alongside improvements in their health, they are saving money that would previously have been spent on cigarettes.
Julie is putting her savings towards home improvements, while Tina is saving for a new home.
Both women credit Nikki's encouragement, practical advice and ongoing support with helping them achieve something they had previously found difficult.
Their experience shows how the right support, practical tools and encouragement from loved ones can help people quit smoking, even after many years.
Support to stop smoking
Wellbeing for Life helps people make positive changes to improve their health and wellbeing, including supporting those who want to stop smoking.
Quitting smoking can bring health benefits at any age, and people do not have to make the journey alone. Local stop smoking support can help people find the right approach for them, manage cravings and stay motivated.
Julie and Tina's story is a reminder that taking the first step, particularly with support from someone you trust, can lead to lasting changes for a healthier future.
