Heavy smoker from Tameside quits 40 a day after 50 years

A heavy smoker from Tameside has shown how it's never too late to quit and improve your health after stopping his 50-year habit.

Roy Hallsworth, 63, used to smoke 40+ roll up cigarettes per day without a filter.

He’d never thought about giving up until two recent strokes and a stay in hospital, when he was advised by medical professionals to quit to improve his health.

Roy, who lives with his wife Lynn, has long-term health conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, vascular dementia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnoea.

He thought he’d be a smoker for the rest of his life and wants to inspire other heavy smokers who don’t think they can give up by sharing his story in support of Better Health – Stoptober.

Back for its ninth year, the campaign is reminding all smokers that now more than ever, ahead of flu season, is the time to put your lungs first, quit smoking and breathe easier, by joining the nation’s biggest quit attempt. 

In an attempt to help him quit smoking, with Lynn’s support, Roy contacted Be Well Tameside as smoking had become part of his life. He received one to one support from advisor Megan Horan and was offered behavioural support alongside.

He’d already tried patches in hospital but they caused skin irritation, so he tried a different type, which also caused a reaction. He’s now using a nasal spray and lozenges, keeping him smokefree for almost 12 weeks.

Roy said: “Since being home I was smoking heavily again, as it was all I had to do. I was living downstairs and housebound.

“I smoked for over 50 years and I can’t believe I’ve managed to stop. I still get the odd craving but it is now more of a reflex where I will just be so used to reaching for a cigarette. I remind myself I have stopped and I think about how far I have come. 

“My taste has come back and sense of smell, so much so, that some foods don’t taste the same as they used to. I’m also not coughing as much and can notice the difference.”

Public Health England’s 28-day Stoptober challenge has free quit support available for smokers including its Smoke Free app and free quit kits.

As well as quitting being the single best thing for health, research shows that it can save a 10-a-day smoker around £165 a month as well as improving mood and relieving stress, anxiety and depression.

Councillor Eleanor Wills, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Population Health, said: “Well done Roy on stopping such a deeply ingrained habit and it just goes to show how it’s possible to quit and improve your health, even after 50 years of smoking.

“Stoptober provides the information and support you need to quit smoking for 28 days, based on research showing that if you can make it to 28 days smokefree, you're five times more likely to quit for good.

“We know we’re stronger together. This Stoptober, join us and all the people who have already quit smoking this year to feel better, save money and to breathe easier.”

There are more ways to quit than ever before.

People can get support from their local stop smoking service where they can see a friendly, trained adviser. 

Tameside residents can contact Be Well Tameside by calling 0161 716 2000, emailing bewelltameside@nhs.net or visiting https://www.penninecare.nhs.uk/bewelltameside

There are also details of stop smoking services and support across Greater Manchester by heading to YouCanGM.org, or call the NHS Stop Smoking helpline free on 0300 123 1044.