“Stopping smoking is an achievement I’m massively proud of” – Sean’s experience

Four decades after he first picked up a cigarette, Sean Munton, from Bradford, stopped smoking for good with free, specialist support from Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Sean, 58, was motivated to take control of his health following a warning from his doctor about his high risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

He had seen the effects of COPD first-hand after losing his dad and auntie to the lung condition, which causes shortness of breath, a persistent cough, frequent chest infections and persistent wheezing.

Like many people, Sean had tried to quit before but found it difficult to stay smoke-free. This time, thanks to the support of his stop smoking advisor, he received expert guidance and encouragement every step of the way.

Yorkshire Cancer Research offers free personalised support and stop smoking products to give people the best possible opportunity to quit for good.

Sean said: “When I was young, everyone around me smoked. I thought it was cool at the time, so I started too. Soon I was smoking around 20 cigarettes a day. 

"Knowing that my health was at serious risk finally inspired me to quit for good. I had seen what COPD can do to people through my dad and auntie, and I didn’t want to go down that route. "

Sean received 12 weeks of dedicated support, which was provided over the phone. The stop smoking advisor worked with him to help him develop coping strategies and behaviours to manage his cravings.

The charity offers free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) such as patches or lozenges, or vaping starter kits, including refills, while people are on the programme.  

Sean said: “At first, I kept waking up in the middle of the night due to nicotine withdrawal. It got a lot easier to push through with professional help, which reminded me why I stopped smoking and how far I had come already. The past ten months have been the longest I’ve gone without smoking, and although I still get cravings occasionally, I have no intention of doing it ever again.”

According to the NHS, stopping smoking is the most effective way to prevent COPD getting worse. Although any damage done to the lungs and airways cannot be reversed, giving up smoking can help prevent further damage.

Yorkshire Cancer Research’s free and personalised service has helped more than 200 people quit smoking since launching in January 2024.