“I don’t want a cigarette again and I never thought I would say that after 47 years as a smoker”
John Morris joined the One You Cheshire East’s Be Smoke Free programme in January 2026 after receiving advice from several doctors. At the time, he admits he was attending his first appointment with the wrong mindset and little interest in quitting.
“When Lisa asked about my motivation to stop smoking, my truthful reply was that I had none” John shared.
Having smoked for 47 years, stopping felt like an impossible challenge for John. Although he attended his first session reluctantly, his perspective began to change after speaking with his Be Smoke Free advisor, Lisa.
By the end of that initial appointment, John felt more positive about the possibility of quitting and decided to give it a try. With Lisa’s support, he began taking practical steps to reduce the number of cigarettes he smoked each day.
The early stages of John’s journey were not without challenges. He successfully cut his cigarette consumption down by 50% but found himself relying heavily on nicotine lozenges to manage cravings.
Although he was smoking fewer cigarettes, his overall nicotine intake had not reduced significantly. Working through these challenges with ongoing support, Lisa helped John understand his habits, identify what was working and made adjustments that would move him closer to becoming smoke free.
“Lisa was a huge help and support throughout the process”
“I was really pleased when I was finally able to tell her that I hadn’t smoked for one week.” John shared.
That first smoke-free week became a major milestone that gave John the confidence to continue.
Over the following months, he continued attending regular sessions, working through nicotine withdrawal and adapting to life without cigarettes. As the weeks passed, he began to notice the benefits of quitting, both physically and mentally.
Now, six months after starting the programme, John says he feels healthier and has no desire to return to smoking.
“I don’t want a cigarette again and I never thought I would say that after 47 years as a smoker”.
Looking back, John credits the personalised support he received as one of the key factors behind his success. What started as an appointment he did not want to attend became the beginning of a life-changing journey.
“From my reluctance at the beginning to the happiness I feel now, that change is entirely due to the support and encouragement Lisa gave me.”
“Every session was friendly, positive and professional, making them both enjoyable and motivational.”
John’s experience demonstrates that it is never too late to quit smoking. Even after decades of smoking, small changes, support and consistent encouragement can help people achieve lasting results.
The Be Smoke Free programme supports people at all stages of their quit journey, whether they are ready to stop immediately, looking to reduce their smoking, or have previously tried to quit. Through free, one-to-one support, tailored advice and access to stop smoking aids, the Be Smoke Free programme helps residents take positive steps towards improving their health.
For John, the programme has not only helped him stop smoking but has also changed how he views his future.
After nearly five decades as a smoker, he has achieved something he never thought possible: six months smoke free and looking ahead with confidence.
Want to quit smoking?
The Be Smoke Free programme from One You Cheshire East provides free support, expert advice and personalised guidance to help you stop smoking.
To find out more, visit http://www.oneyoucheshireeast.org/smoke-free/ or contact the team on 0300 123 5026 or email OneYouCE@everybody.org.uk.
Inspired by the experiences of people like John, the service is here to help you take the first step towards a smoke-free future.