A Sefton grandmother has shared a powerful story of transformation this National No Smoking Day, offering a beacon of hope for thousands across Cheshire and Merseyside looking to reclaim their health.
Jeanette Simm, from Bootle, has officially been smoke-free for three months after a 46-year habit, becoming one of 8,200 people in the region who have successfully quit with the help of local services in the last year.
For Jeanette, the decision to stop was deeply personal. After watching multiple family members lose their lives to smoking-related illnesses, including her father and two brothers, she realised it was time to change her own narrative.
“I was one of seven, there’s only three of us left now,” Jeanette shared.
“Seeing my brother wheezing and struggling made me realise that this time, I’ve really got to do something to stop. Smoking wasn’t just a habit. It was something I relied on, especially during difficult times.”
A Fresh Start for Merseyside
Jeanette’s success highlights the massive impact of local NHS and public health initiatives.
By utilising a free stop-smoking app and connecting with a local advisor, she found the support she needed to break free.
Today, at 59 years old, she reports feeling easier breathing and significantly improved financial security, saving the £500 a month she previously spent on cigarettes.
“I’m nearly 60 years old and I’ve smoked for all my adult life,” she added.
“But now, I feel better, I breathe easier, and I’ve got more money in my pocket. If I can do it after 46 years, anyone can. It’s never too late.”
Landmark Legislation on the Horizon
Jeanette’s story comes as the Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill reaches its final stages in Parliament.
If passed, the legislation aims to create the UK’s first-ever “smokefree generation” by making it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.
Public health leaders are optimistic that this combination of legislative change and community support will reshape the future of public health in the North West.
Professor Ian Ashworth, Director of Population Health for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, noted the significance of this moment:
“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill gives us a real chance to change the future, so that today’s children grow up in a world where becoming a smoker simply isn’t the norm.
“With the legislation in its final stages, we can protect the next generation from the harms of tobacco.
“At the same time, we must make sure those who smoke today are given the support they need to quit for good.”
As the region celebrates National No Smoking Day, experts are urging anyone currently smoking to treat today as a fresh opportunity.
With 38.1% of those who attempted to quit in the North West succeeding over the last year, there has never been a better time to reach out for the free, expert help available right on your doorstep
