Jacqui's journey – smoke-free for five months and counting

Powys resident Jacqui Dowell quit smoking with the help of the Stop Smoking Service in Powys and has been smoke free for 5 months, with no intention of smoking again.

Jacqui, who is 77 and had been smoking for 15 years, was referred to the stop smoking team by her GP after suffering a persistent cough.

Jacqui said “The face-to-face sessions in the GP surgery were excellent. Kat, the advisor was very open minded and approachable, she was non-judgemental and had a cheerful attitude.”

Like others starting out on their smoke-free journey, Jacqui was initially unsure if she would be successful but with the support of the Stop Smoking team and the introduction of Nicotine Replacement Therapy, she managed to kick her cravings.

As part of the 1:1 support sessions, a carbon monoxide test is carried out to measure how much carbon monoxide is in the body. Before quitting, Jacqui’s reading was 9, whereas after five months her reading had reduced to 1, which is the same score as a non-smoker. This gave Jacqui the motivation she needed to stick to her quitting journey. 

Some of the main benefits Jacqui has experienced since leaving the cigarettes behind have included no longer coughing each time she goes to bed, being financially better off and not becoming breathless while doing activities such as gardening, something which she now has more energy to enjoy. She’s even managed to put the money she has saved from cigarettes in to making her garden even more beautiful.

15 years ago Jacqui was diagnosed with cancer in her right kidney, and now giving up smoking will help improve her overall health and maintain her kidney function more effectively.

Powys Smoking Advisor said “The first comment Jacqui made when she walked into her session was ‘I don’t want to stop smoking, I enjoy it! But I’m going to give it a try. No promises.’ -We then spoke about Jacqui’s reasons why, what support I could offer, judgement free. She began her stop smoking journey for herself and now smoking is a thing of the past. All it takes is that first step into our Help Me Quit service and we can help others to stop smoking too. It’s never too late!”

So, if you have had enough of smoking and all the negative effects it has on you and your family why not join the 15,000 people in Wales who get support from Help Me Quit each year? The Powys Stop Smoking team are here to help on your journey to becoming smoke-free.

You can contact Help Me Quit | Stop Smoking Services In Wales on 0800 085 2219 or text HMQ to 80818 or you can email stopsmoking.powys@wales.nhs.uk