David Craig, from Crewe started One You Cheshire East’s Be Smoke Free programme on 3rd July at Easy Medical Centre in Crewe. In just the second week, David gave up cigarettes and has not been on them since.
David, who lives with photophobia, shared that his reasons for giving up smoking was because he’s had four heart attacks, two TIA’s and a full stroke. He shares
“I was sick of smoking and I just never thought I’d ever give up.”
Before the programme, David explains his breathing was heavy, breathless a lot and he thought it was time to have a change.
Whilst in hospital, he noticed the quit smoking information and when discharged he applied for the programme.
“It was the 3rd July, I came in and spoke to Karolina, I was all sceptical, I thought Karolina might be one of these “oh just give up” attitude and really it was very caring and thoughtful for the client or myself in general, I felt so more relaxed when I came here, as bright as it is, I just felt so relaxed and comforted, very comforted.”
In the past David has used things like patches and chewing gum. At his Be Smoke Free appointment, he was shown various items to help him stop smoking and was introduced to the vape, which he describes as “the bee’s knee’s, it really helped” because of the psychology and being physically addicted to the smoking, not the tobacco or nicotine. “I was addicted to the physical side of it and that’s what I thought I would never give up and look at me now!”
David went a week or two with smoking and using the vape and eventually with the help of Karolina he just stopped. He shared “It was amazing.”
Recently David was in a “desperate situation stress wise” really wanting a cigarette, however he pictured Karolina and the no smoking clinic and didn’t pick up the cigarette.
David has seen many benefits and changes since taking part in the programme, his breathing and sleep is better, when he eats food, it tastes better, he is eating better, has a better appetite and has put weight on.
“My mental health has improved, I’ve been thinking I’m more compass mentis than I used to be, I am just more alert in everyday life really and I am happy that I don’t wake up in a morning coughing my lungs up and that’s what I want other people to stop doing because it’s a horrible situation.”
David shared he smells much better than he did as a smoker. Noticing a bad smell on the peak of his hat, he just threw it in the bin and now he has his grandad hat, (showcased in the picture) so he is happy about that.
Summing up his journey so far on the Be Smoke Free programme “It’s the best thing… Just the best thing. That’s all I can say, it’s the best thing you can do, it’s the best thing I’ve done, 40 years.”
Karolina Ayers Health and Wellbeing Coach Manager at One You Cheshire East shares.
“Dave really needed this quit to improve his health and his determination was outstanding. Just like many other smokers out there, he was anxious to try not knowing if he could do it. Many people won’t even try because of their fear of failure but trying is not failing.
You can only find out what it’s like by having a good go and it paid off in Dave’s case. I’m so proud of him and so grateful that he shared his wonderful story with others, he’s a true inspiration.”
One You Cheshire East’s Be Smoke Free programme provides free support and treatment to Cheshire East residents who are looking to be smoke free, whether that be through a 12-week programme or the Swap to Stop Scheme.
If you would like to find out more, please visit www.oneyoucheshireeast.org/ or contact the One You Cheshire East team on 0300 123 5026 or email [email protected]