(Image: NYC)
A MOTHER-of-two has shared how quitting smoking has transformed her health and daily life.
Lucy Davis, from Skipton, stopped smoking in June last year with support from North Yorkshire Council’s Living Well Smokefree service, which she contacted after several previous attempts to quit on her own.
Miss Davis said the first major advantage was a boost to her health, saying: "Since stopping smoking, I have noticed huge improvements to my health including better breathing, improved taste and smell, healthier skin, whiter teeth, better sleep, and no recurring chest infections or persistent cough."
Speaking of the second major advantage, she said: "I also enjoy having extra money each month to spend on myself and my daughters.
"The support from Gina Naylor and the team has been crucial and has made all the difference and helped me to achieve something I am extremely proud of."
The service combines personalised advice with access to nicotine patches and vaping products to support individuals through the quitting process.
Miss Davis’s success story comes as North Yorkshire Council encourages residents to take part in Stoptober, the national 28-day stop smoking challenge.
An estimated 47,000 people in North Yorkshire currently smoke, according to Action on Smoking and Health.
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in England, responsible for around 64,000 deaths each year.
Between April 2019 and March 2026, nearly 6,000 people have quit smoking with support from the Living Well Smokefree service.
The service is available to anyone living or working in North Yorkshire, or registered with a GP in the county.
North Yorkshire Council's executive member for health and adult services, Cllr Michael Harrison, said: "Stopping smoking is one of the best things people can do for their health, whatever their age. Our advisers provide tailored support and access to a range of quitting aids to help people find the approach that works best for them."
Residents can also get free access for six months to all the features of the Smoke Free app, helping them manage cravings, track health improvements and see how much money they have saved by quitting. The app also offers support from stop smoking experts 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
As part of the programme, residents can access free stop smoking aids worth up to £300, including nicotine replacement therapy, medication and vapes.
Residents can call 01609 797272 or email stop.smoking@northyorks.gov.uk.
More information is available at www.northyorks.gov.uk/stopping-smoking.