For Janet and her daughter Steph from Macclesfield, becoming smoke-free has brought far more than giving up cigarettes.
Together, they have improved their health, saved money and supported one another through a life-changing journey.
Mum Janet had smoked for more than 50 years and had never successfully managed to quit.
Earlier this year, a health scare forced her to reflect on the future and the impact smoking was having on her life.
“What happened to me this year frightened me, and that has been the deciding point. Because I didn’t want to die and I didn’t want to leave Steph and I didn’t want her carrying on smoking for the rest of her life and ending up like me.”
Following advice from her GP, Janet was given details of One You Cheshire East’s Be Smoke Free programme.
“I went to my GP, and he very strongly advised that I should stop smoking and he gave me the details of the Be Smoke Free programme.”
Although she spent a week looking at the information before taking the next step, Janet knew she needed to make a change. Until then, stopping smoking had never felt like a priority.
“I didn’t even think about the repercussions later on in life. It’s an addiction, but if you enjoy it as well it’s even harder to stop.”
Having tried to quit several times before, Janet admits this attempt felt different because she had a personal reason to succeed.
“This time I had an important reason for doing it. I did have my doubts, but I don’t think I would have succeeded by myself.”
The support she received made a significant difference.
“Natasha has been absolutely brilliant, and I really couldn’t have done it without her.”
Since becoming smoke-free, Janet has noticed several positive changes. The morning cough she once accepted as normal has disappeared, and she can now taste and smell better.
Inspired by her mum’s decision, Steph decided to quit alongside her. Having smoked for many years herself, she wanted to offer support and challenge herself at the same time.
“I also didn’t think I should let her do it alone, so we both did it together.”
The decision has brought noticeable benefits. Steph says she feels healthier and happier, has seen improvements in her skin, no longer smells of smoke, is less out of breath, and has saved money.
For Janet, the financial benefits have been eye-opening too.
“Smoking 20 cigarettes a day, I worked it out, over a year, that totals £7500. Now that’s quite a few nice holidays.”
Throughout their journey, mother and daughter kept each other motivated. What started as support soon became a friendly competition to stay on track.
“When I’ve been feeling like I’ve really wanted a cigarette, Steph has told me not to, otherwise she will tell Natasha, which is the last thing I wanted to do because Natasha has been so good, so supportive and I didn’t want to fail.”
Both Janet and Steph valued the personalised approach to treatment and the ability to choose options that suited them best.
“We’ve had patches, vapes, liquids, coils, it’s been our choice, they have told us what is available and we have decided what we wanted to try and use.”
They also found the weekly support calls invaluable in helping them overcome cravings and change long-standing habits.
“It hasn’t been easy, but with their help and each other’s, we got there in the end.”
Looking back, Steph says the experience has positively changed her life and encourages others not to feel nervous about seeking support.
“If you are thinking about taking part in the programme and you are nervous. Please don’t be, I was, until I’d spoken to Karolina for the first time and I fully realised she is just there to help you. Their knowledge and experience they have got with dealing with helping you stop smoking and reprogramming your brain into not thinking about it all the time. It’s honestly been a really enjoyable experience. It’s been brilliant.”
Today, Janet and Steph are proud of what they have achieved together. Their story is one of improved health, renewed confidence, stronger family support and a future that feels brighter than ever.
“What have you got to lose? You’ve got everything to gain and it’s really not a hard process, the support is there for you, if you can get your mind around the fact that you want to be healthy, you want to save money, you want to live your life. I feel very proud of both of us.”
Watch Janet and Steph’s video interview here.
If you would like to find out more about One You Cheshire East’s Be Smoke Free programme click here to find the best support programme for you.
One You Cheshire East is Commissioned by Cheshire East Council and delivered by Everybody Health and Leisure.