Sally and Barry O'Connor
Sally and Barry O’Connor have successfully stopped smoking by attending one of the free six week Stop Smoking courses held on Tuesday evenings at Queen Mary’s Hospital Sidcup.
Sally says: My main reason for giving up smoking was because I am asthmatic. My breathing was getting worse and worse and I knew that if I didn’t stop the chances were that I would end up with emphysema. I’d smoked since I was 14 and was a 20-a-day smoker – more at weekends. I’ve been stopped for well over six months now and I can’t believe it! I’ve never managed to stop for this long before although I’ve tried loads of times. It never lasted long but this time I had the support of the group, which was so motivating. I also attend the regular smoke free meetings held every six weeks at Queen Mary’s on a Tuesday evening. I feel so much better, I don’t have to use my asthma inhalers as often, my breathing’s so much better and I’ve noticed that my skin, hair and nails are all improved. I’m very proud of myself and would definitely recommend attending one of the free six week Quit Groups. Brilliant!
Barry, Sally’s husband, also gave up for health reasons. He says:
“My blood pressure was raised and I was smoking ½ oz of tobacco a day. I don’t even miss it now - although I’d been smoking well over 20 years. I’ve got more energy, don’t get breathless like I used to and just feel great. Sally and I decided to give up together and I’d recommend the Group Quits – everyone was very friendly and the Stop Smoking Advisors know what they’re talking about.”