Woman quits smoking after 50 years and transforms health

Cathy Wareing began smoking at the age of 12 and had lived with a heavy habit for most of her life, but found the motivation to quit through the Be Smoke Free programme run by One You Cheshire East.

Living with COPD, Cathy said she had long feared being sent home 'with oxygen' after repeated hospital visits due to her smoking-related health issues.

She said: "I knew it was only a matter of time before I was sent home with oxygen.

"A big wake up call for me."

Determined to avoid carrying an oxygen tank during her beloved holidays and cruises, she decided it was time to 'do something.'

After discovering the Be Smoke Free programme on Facebook, Ms Wareing decided to give it one last attempt.

Her first meeting with her stop smoking advisor took place in Holmes Chapel.

She said: "I did it at Holmes Chapel, with a lady called Lisa who is fantastic and has got the patience of a saint, it’s the best thing I did, and it never cost me a penny to do it."

Cathy initially tried nicotine patches and the Nicorette inhaler, but it was Lisa’s suggestion of using a vape that made all the difference.

With a starting carbon monoxide reading of more than 50, the highest the advisor had seen, Cathy has since reduced it to just three.

She has now been smoke-free for six months and has noticed dramatic improvements in her health.

She said: "When the urge for a cigarette happens, I put the sats finger oximeter on and seeing the 97 per cent to 99 per cent reminds me that I have done the right thing and how far my health has improved."

Her oxygen saturation levels have risen from 92 per cent to an average of 98 to 99 per cent, while her peak flow reading has increased from 200-220 to 350.

She now sleeps better, feels more energetic, finds gardening easier, and can play with her grandchildren.

Cathy said using the vape made quitting easy and six months ago she started on 1.6 per cent nicotine.

She has since reduced it to 1.2 per cent and plans to lower it again in the next six months.

For more information, visit: www.oneyoucheshireeast.org or call 0300 123 5026