Smoker Audrey quits her 45-year habit

Date published: 30 September 2014


A GREAT-GRANDMOTHER has stubbed out her 45-year smoking habit with the help of specialist NHS advisers.

And now Audrey Shearing (68) is encouraging others to follow suit by taking up the Stoptober challenge - the national public health campaign that urges smokers to quit for 28 days in October.

Audrey smoked 20 cigarettes a day from the age of 23 and developed severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She struggled to kick the habit after a heart attack earlier this year, but found expert help from the local Stop Smoking service.

The great-grandmother of six said her health has been transformed by stopping smoking and she is able to do tasks she previously found difficult.

“I feel great since quitting. Before even walking from room to room was a real effort. Now I can walk longer distances, I have my appetite back and my skin has more colour in it, it’s transformed my health.”

Stoptober’s research shows that smokers who quit for 28 days are five times more likely to stay smoke-free.

Smokers who join the programme receive daily messages of motivation, persuasion and distraction.

Stop Smoking help: www.penninecare.nhs.uk/oldhamstopsmoking.