Ashton celebrates no smoking day after kicking habit for her son
When Ashton turned 40, she knew it was time to give up smoking for good, for the sake of her son.
With the help of Stop for Life Oxon, Oxfordshire County Council’s stop smoking service, she managed to kick the habit back in October. She is now encouraging others to give it a go this No Smoking Day (Wednesday 12 March).
Ashton, from Long Hanborough said: “I was working as a waitress when I took up smoking at 21. We didn’t get lunch breaks but there was a staff room we could go for a smoke and a cuppa. It was easy to get smoke breaks and everyone else was smoking so I started so I could sit down for a minute!”
After nearly 20 years of lighting up, 40 year old Ashton knew last year it was time to quit. “I promised myself I would quit at 40, and I was halfway through the year when I knew enough was enough. I have a young son and want to be there for him.”
It was when she went to speak to her GP that they suggested she try the local stop smoking service, Stop for Life Oxon.
The free service has already assisted thousands of people across Oxfordshire in giving up smoking using tools like vapes and other nicotine replacement therapies.
She contacted the service and was supported throughout her journey by her coach Helen. Ashton explained: “Helen helped so much. I set a date with her several weeks before I actually quit, so I felt prepared when the day finally came. I used patches and a vape too.”
Free support to quit is available to all smokers in Oxfordshire and can include one to one coaching, free rechargeable vape kits and or nicotine replacement therapy for up to 12 weeks.
Since quitting last year, she has already noticed a huge difference.
“My skin is brighter, I have saved a lot of money, I’m not constantly on edge wanting a cigarette, and I don’t smell like an ashtray anymore!” Ashton added.
Councillor Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “We know how daunting it can be for people to give up smoking. Our Stop for Life Oxon service provides free support, which is proven to help anybody who wants to quit smoking in Oxfordshire. You’re three times more likely to succeed with help.
“Giving up smoking not only greatly benefits your physical health by making you feel fitter and reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer, but it can also improve your mental wellbeing and save you money.
“I am so pleased that Ashton was successful, and I hope that her story inspires many more people to get in touch with the service to give it a go themselves.”
Find out what support is available by visiting Stop for Life Oxon’s website, freephone 0800 122 3790 or texting STOPOXON to 6077.
Over 60,000 adults in Oxfordshire and over five million adults in England still smoke. Smoking causes 64,000 deaths a year, making it the biggest cause of preventable illness and death.
The benefits of quitting start almost immediately including improved stress levels, feeling fitter and better taste and smell. In the long-term, quitting smoking can help someone to live longer, reduce their risk of disease and breathing problems, and save on average of £365 a month.
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