Eddie Fish, a father of five, used to smoke 30 cigarettes a day before he kicked his habit with the help of an NHS anti-smoking campaign. Now Eddie hopes to be able to help others who are in a similar position with help from the new campaign, which will utilise radio broadcasts and poster and flyer printing.
Preston resident Eddie spoke about his smoking habit, saying:
“I used to smoke 30-a-day and I suffer for it now. I’ve got chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema, which basically means my lungs have had it. I really regret it. If I’d have known when I started how I would be here today, I wouldn’t have smoked.”
He also talked about quitting, saying:
“They gave me nicotine patches and gum and when I was having a low point, if I felt like I wanted a cigarette, I would ring them up and the lady would speak to me over the phone or invite me in. She was really nice and there for me all the way.”
There is research to show that smokers are four times more likely to quit their habit with the help of an NHS smoking cessation service than if they attempt to stop alone. More information on the campaign can be obtained by visiting the Let's Quit Lancashire website.