Salisbury HGV driver urges others to quit this No Smoking Day

A former smoker is supporting Smokefree Wiltshire in urging people to make a quit attempt for No Smoking Day (Wednesday 11 March).

HGV driver, Andrew Painter, is 59 and lives in Salisbury with his wife and dog. He’s urging people to get the support they need to stop smoking after he quit three months ago with Wiltshire Council’s free stop smoking service.

Andrew says: “I can’t express to you how much better I feel in just 12 weeks – the difference is incredible. I feel like I can be more active - I'm taking up swimming and going to get some of my fitness back. That’s something I couldn’t have done before.”

Andrew had thought about quitting smoking, but didn’t know how to go about it. After going for a lung health check, he was put in touch with the health coaches at Wiltshire Council’s free stop smoking service.

He says: “My health coach was amazing, just so supportive and encouraging, and the face-to-face check ins every week really helped me to keep on track. I used nicotine patches to replace the nicotine I was getting from cigarettes and with the help of my health coach I was able to gradually reduce the dosage every week.

“My wife and all my family are so pleased for me – every time I see my granddaughter, she says, ‘well done grandad’ and that feels great. 

Andrew has noticed a big improvement in his health since quitting smoking, and this inspires him to stay smokefree. He comments: “My health is 100% better – I can breathe easier, my taste and smell have improved and I’m more energetic, I can walk-up hills with the dog now. I haven’t got the rattly cough I used to have, and I’ve also got a lot more time to enjoy. Knowing how much better I feel keeps me motivated to stay quit.”

Andrew is urging smokers to mark No Smoking Day as their quit date. He says: “You have to commit and decide that it’s the right time for you. I set a date and told all my family, friends and work colleagues that I was quitting so they were able to support me and this really helped. Have a plan for when you get cravings – I had an inhalator and took the dog out for a walk to distract me when I’d usually have a smoke. The difference I feel in myself is unbelievable – I'd encourage anyone to get help and give quitting a go.”

Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health for Wiltshire, says: “Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, so we’d urge people to set a quit date on No Smoking Day and begin their journey to become smokefree. Research shows that you’re three times more likely to quit with expert support, so if you want to quit, please make use of the free help available through the stop‑smoking services offered across Wiltshire.”

Cllr Clare Cape, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Coordination with the NHS, said: “Wiltshire Council is dedicated to helping people lead full, healthy lives. We want to make it as simple as possible for anyone who smokes to access free support that suits their needs, and to encourage them to keep trying, because quitting is always worth it.”

“Wiltshire residents can get free support to quit smoking either by downloading the Smoke Free app, which offers 24/7 stop smoking support to fit around your life, or from our specialist Health Coaches who offer a 12-week programme of stop smoking support and access to free stop smoking aids. Stop smoking is also available from most GP surgeries.”

For links to download the Smoke Free app or to contact Wiltshire Council’s stop smoking service, visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/smokefree