Wishaw Press

Stubs out cigs for great-grandkids

- MATT BRYAN

A great-grandmothe­r is sharing her inspiratio­nal story of how she stopped smoking to encourage others to do the same.

Supported by NHS Lanarkshir­e’s free Quit Your Way service, Marion Young from Motherwell says she wanted to be around for longer to spend time with her great-grandchild­ren.

Marion said: “Initially I was thinking about Covid and the horror of it that set me thinking it was time to quit smoking.

I felt bad that my smoking addiction could add to the burden of the already overworked, overburden­ed NHS.

“It was coming up to my wee great-granddaugh­ter Oswyn’s birthday, and since I want to be around to see and enjoy her and her wee brother Ezra for a long time to come, I chose Oswyn’s birthday as the day I would stop smoking, so I called the Quit Your Way helpline for advice.”

Lanarkshir­e continues to make great progress in driving down smoking rates, however, smoking remains the biggest preventabl­e cause of ill-health and premature death in Scotland.

The joint campaign with ASH Scotland, focuses on encouragin­g residents to seek support and advice when they’re ready to quit smoking.

Marion continued: “I feel very lucky and thankful to have this brilliant support structure so I’m very glad I made that phone call and I’m now using the savings to buy things for my garden.

“If I can do it after 55 years of smoking, it’s not too late for anyone else.

“With the patches delivered direct to me, weekly follow ups from NHS Lanarkshir­e Quit Your Way staff, and the security of knowing I have a number to call anytime I might struggle, I’m confident I am facing a smoke free and healthier future.”

National No Smoking Day was marked earlier this month, as Lanarkshir­e’s health service aim to help more quit.

Sh i r l e y Mi t c h e l l , To b a c c o Control Programme Manager, NHS Lanarkshir­e, added: “National No Smoking Day is often a time when people who smoke decide to make a dedicated decision to give up.

“This year, we appreciate that circumstan­ces may mean it’s been even harder to quit, and we wanted to celebrate those who have stopped smoking during lockdown.

“Trying to quit smoking at this time may feel overwhelmi­ng, but help and support tailored to each person’s needs is available to help them to stop smoking through

Quit Your Way Lanarkshir­e, even during lockdown.”

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland added: “This past year has been challengin­g for everyone and people are coping as best they can.

“For some people, that means smoking more than they normally would, which could be adding to their stress.

“To find out more call 0800 84 84 84 or visit QuitYourWa­y.scot.”.

 ??  ?? Happy and healthy Marion Young with great-grandkids Oswyn & Ezra
Happy and healthy Marion Young with great-grandkids Oswyn & Ezra

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