When I was little, my father used to smoke Hamlet cigars. I can remember the smell now, that kind of stale, rich, heavy aroma. It was horrible. Everything stank of it. But I’d grown up with it so didn’t think anything of it. Then I went to school and started to learn about the dangers of smoking. At around the age of seven, I remember saying to my father, “Daddy, I don’t want you to die!” Apparently it was this, coupled with him lying awake in bed, listening to me coughing my guts up as I had a horrid cold that probably wasn’t helped by a strong dose of passive smoking, that encouraged him to quit.
And quit he did! Using a somewhat unorthodox combination of nicotine patches and Trebor extra strong mints. I can vividly remember sitting in our caravan on a summer holiday with my dad using a pair of scissors to cut his nicotine patches into halves, then quarters as he weaned himself off them. I think the strong mints were to give his mouth something to do that wasn’t smoking. I must admit, it was nice to have the stench of cigar replaced by mint!
I’m so proud of my dad for stopping smoking and it’s now been more than twenty five years since he quit. Sadly, in that time we’ve lost his sister to lung cancer (she was a chain smoker of cigarettes), so supporting people to quit smoking is something I feel strongly about. So, I’d like to give one of my lovely readers a helping hand to quit. It’s never too late to stop. The NHS Smokefree website has tons of information on why it’s such a good idea to stop smoking. Did you know that the body feels the benefits of quitting just 48 hours after your last smoke? And after just one year smoke free, your chances of suffering from heart diseases are half that of someone who is still smoking? If that’s not motivation to stick at it, I don’t know what is!
Anyway, NiQuitin have sent me one of their Quit Kits, which has been put together following tips from Dr Sarah Jarvis (you know, the nice ginger doctor on the One Show). Here’s what’s in it, and why:
I know it’s easier said than done, and I know that I’m in no position to comment as a non-smoker, but I do hope that this giveaway will encourage at least one person to quit smoking and give themselves and their family a healthier future. Simply enter via the Rafflecopter below!
(Sorry, boring yet essential!):
There is one prize of a NiQuitin Quit Kit, provided by Pondering Parenthood. No cash alternative.
This competition is open to residents of the UK only.
Competition ends 24th July 2017.
A winner will be chosen at random using the widget.
The winner will be notified via email within 7 days of the closing date, and must respond within 28 days to claim their prize and arrange delivery.
My health!
The best reason of all!
ive started training to get fit and it would be great if i wasnt coughing all the time from smoking
Good for you! I don’t smoke but definitely need to do more exercise!
this would be so useful
Good luck!
To be a positive role model for my boys & to ensure I’m there to watch them grow up
A very good reason. Good luck!
Setting an example for my kids.
A great reason!
I don’t want my son picking up on my disgusting habit!
A very good reason!
Mum had lung cancer -biggest motivation ever
Super motivation. Good luck!
Great giveaway for health consious..ty
My grandson I want to live longer smell better he tells me I smell of ciggies
Just think how lovely he’ll think you smell once you’ve stopped 🙂
The kids – to set a good example!
A very good reason!
I want to quit for my children’s and my health x
Very good reasons! Good luck.
I keep falling off the wagon, it’s driving me mad cos I know it’s ruining my health – I really need new motivation to quit!!
I know I’m in no place to advise because I haven’t been there myself, but I really like the idea of writing down your reasons for quitting, then reading them back every time you want a smoke. I think it’s all about breaking that cycle of having a cigarette, until eventually you don’t want one at all. Good luck!
I just want to feel healthier with more energy
Good for you. Good luck on taking the first step to a smoke-free life.
I don’t smoke but I’d use the kit to encourage my Dad to quit…so he can continue to enjoy his Grandson for plenty more years to come. x
Great idea!
I’d love this – I need to quit as I have asthma which makes stuff difficult as it is, without adding this on too!
I bet you’ll notice the different really quickly when you stop! You can do it!
My health,and to save money
Both good reasons! You could spend the money you save on a spa day to treat your body!
another friend has died of cancer and again reminded how precious my children are
Very sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. Good luck with your journey to being smoke free.
~So embarresing but i had lung clots and still cant quite get there…..
Keep trying, you will get there.
To be healthy!
Good for you! Good luck with stopping.
Hello i really need this, need to quit ASAP
No time like the present! Good luck with quitting.
It’s for my best friend who started smoking again after quitting 10 years ago. She is desperate to stop again & I’d like to be able to help.
How kind of you to support your friend. If she’s done it once, she can do it again!
to live longer not get copd and bladder cancer the 2 main conditions related to smoking
Very good reasons to stop!
To be honest, I just can’t afford to continue smoking!
Health and my grandkids
Great reasons!
I would like to win this for my friend as she has had a few unsuccessful attempts to quit.
Oh that’s kind!
ITS TOO EXPENSIVE!!
Just think of how you could spend all of the money you’re going to save!
I’m entering for my partner, I did ask her first, I’m not that annoying. She has really cut down, changed to rollups, so she’s smoking much less tobacco, and it doesn’t cost nearly as much. She’s hoping to visit friends in San Francisco this year, and it would be easier for her to not smoke before the flight so she’s not craving all the way there.
Sounds like a good enough reason to stop! It must be so difficult flying long haul when you’re craving like that.
health, fitness, longevity, weight loss, skin concerns, aging, money!
All very good reasons! Keep them in mind and good luck!
Fantastic I could do with these would be fantastic
Good luck!
most importantly, better health for myself
Definitely. Good luck with your mission to quit!
Mainly, for health reasons
Good for you. Good luck!
I want to be healthier and fitter and I want to quit before smoking causes any serious health problems
Good luck!
I’m a real foodie and I want to get my taste back!
I can’t imagine not being able to taste my food properly. Good luck with your mission to quit!
Money!
Just think of what you could buy with the money you’ll save!
For my children. Even if you don’t smoke near them, you transfer the chemicals on your clothes
Absolutely, the smell of cigarette smoke seems to get everywhere! Good luck.
To improve my chances of having another child, I wish I’d never started up again after having my daughter, I blame stress at work (only myself to blame really)
Just remember that if you managed to give up before, you can do it again! Good luck.
Health, to not have bad lungs and a long life!
Great reasons. Good luck!
To be more active and improve my health
Very good reasons. Good luck!
I desperately want to quit for my health (I suffer from headaches and convinced smoking is the cause)
I get the impression from the research above that nicotine withdrawal can cause headaches, so don’t let that stop you quitting. Power through! Good luck x
it would have to be my girls, i hate the fact they see me smoking, and dread it if they decide to do it when they are older.
A very good reason to stop. Perhaps the first step to cutting down could be to not smoke when they’re around? Good luck with your quitting journey.
A family member has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer
I’m so sorry to hear this. I hope they are able to be treated successfully. Well done for taking the decision to quit.
Generally want to feel fitter and am hopefully looking forward to a healthier future.
Good luck with your mission to quit! I’m sure you’ll start feeling the difference in no time.
Saves money and health aspect too !
Good luck!
HEALTH!!!!!!!!
Good luck!
Being more healthy now in my mid 30s!
Good luck with your mission to quit!
For family.
Good luck!
I think I’m damaging my health.
Fortunately, as soon as you stop smoking that damage begins to be reversed. Good luck with your mission to quit!
health
A good reason. Good luck.
being fitter and healthier, so I can keep up with my little ones
A very good reason! Good luck.
to be healthier
A very good reason. Good luck.
Many reasons. The main one being I have recently had a stroke after my other half had a double heart bypass ( all rock n roll here lol ) It’s been a crappy few months but we’re getting there. Quitting smoking but be a blessing to us both and any help would be amazing.
Wow, that’s definitely a reason to stop smoking! Best of luck, and I hope yours and your partner’s health continues to improve.
Anything to help give up smoking is good!
Absolutely, good luck!
My father-in-law died from lung cancer, not wanting to die like he did is motivation
I’m so sorry to hear about your father in law. You’re absolutely right though, definitely a strong motivator. Good luck.
To be able to keep up with my son and not get out of breath
Good for you. Good luck!
I want to get back to climbing mountains and there is nothing more embarrassing than being out of breath and holding everyone else up. I want to lead, not follow !
I’m not sure I could climb a mountain, and I’m not a smoker! Good luck getting back to leading!
To live longer and be healthier
Good for you! Good luck.
Ive already quit actually, i went cold turkey back in Feb and havnt touched one since. My motivation was/is my children, they were unhappy about me smoking and really wanted me to stop – im so glad i did!!! Sadly my husband doesnt have as much will power and needs a little bit of help so this would be for him 🙂
Wow, well done you, especially if your husband is still smoking around you – you must have mighty strong willpower! I’m pleased to hear that you’re feeling the benefits already.
my children are my motivation to quit
A great motivation. Good luck!
for myself my health and kids
Good for you; good luck!
I want to quit smoking to improve my fitness.
Good for you. Good luck!
I need to give up for health reasons but I’m finding it so difficult!
Keep going, the longer you go without a cigarette, the easier it will get. Good luck!
I dont smoke and never have but a good friend does and would be fab for her .x
How lovely of you to support your friend x
Great timing. I have just made the decision to quit and have been researching the best (easiest!) ways to do it!!
I don’t think any way is easy, but I’m sure you can do it, with the right attitude. Good luck!
health and money
Both good reasons. Good luck!
My mum is trying to give up for health reasons and I’d love to give her this as encouragement 🙂
How kind. Good luck to her!
I would like this for my youngest son. I really think he should stop as it’s got to be affecting his health. He did stop for a couple of months but his partner smokes so he restarted. This might be the turning point.
It must be so difficult to quit when you’re around someone else who smokes. Good luck to him!
This would be for my friend who want’s to stop smoking for her children
Good luck to her!
I want to be healthier and fitter
Good for you, good luck!
to smell better
That won’t take long – just give everything a good wash! When my dad quit, I remember my mum cleaned the carpets and washed the curtains, and it made a massive difference. Good luck with your mission to quit!
My grandchildren are my motivation
Good for you, good luck!
Health and to save money
Good reasons; good luck!
Mainly because of health benefits, as well as to save money.
Honestly, the fact that you get to have more money as well as reaping the health benefits makes me think it’s a no-brainer. I know it’s not as straightforward as that in reality. Good luck, I really hope you’re successful in your mission to quit!
I have already quit and I did it for my family and myself as I didn’t want to leave them before my time ! However I am helping my partner quit and I think this would help
Good for you! What a lovely gesture. I hope your partner is able to quit, too.
My children – what other motivation counts as much?
Good luck in your mission to quit! I’m sure your children will appreciate it.
I am currently helping my friend give up, and this would be a great boost 🙂 Her motivation is just to be healthier!
Oh how lovely of you to support your friend. Good luck to her!
There are so many good reasons to quit smoking e.g. health, money and smell.
Absolutely. Good luck!
baby grandson due soon
Aw, congratulations! Definitely a good reason to quit. I wish you luck!
My daughters are my biggest motivation 🙂
A great motivation. Good luck!
The no1 motivation would have to be for health reasons!
Definitely! Good luck!
Nothing at the moment I’m on a downer, maybe get shut of my partner
Try to surround yourself with positive people, and quit for yourself! Good luck x
My age and my health
Good luck!
to help me breathe better
According to the NHS, the lungs start to recover just 48 hours after quitting. Good luck and I hope you are breathing more easily, soon!
Trying to quit for my health!
Good for you!
I’ve seen the effects that smoking can have, my mum is in a bad way with COPD …smoking has ruined her quality of life
My father in law has COPD so I know it’s not fun at all. Good luck with your mission to quit!
My partner, he hates me smoking and would finally shut up if i managed to kick the habit!
Haha, good luck and enjoy the peace and quiet!
I actually enjoy smoking but recently had a chest infection which resulted in me coughing and spluttering for 2 weeks. I realised that smoking was not helping and have decided that it is never too late to quit. I know it will be difficult as I have been smoking for over 50 years!
Gosh, that is a long time! You’re absolutely right though, it’s never too late. Good luck!
This would be great!
Good luck!
My health currently got a bad chest infection an been told by GP I must stop smoking
I hope your chest infection clears soon. Do it for yourself, not just because your doctor tells you! Good luck!
My children, my health, money (in that specific order too)
Excellent motivations. Good luck!
It would be for my mum as she needs to take better care of herself.
Well done for supporting your mum. I hope she is able to quit.
i have a 2 year old grand daughter and i want to live a longer healthier life for her the apple of my eye.
Aw bless, I’m so pleased that Little M has all of her grandparents around. Good luck, I hope you manage it!
my hubby wants to stop smoking for our daughter
Good for him!
To live longer breathe better and stay healthy for all those around me
Excellent reasons. Good luck!
My main motivation is to be fitter and healthier for my daughter mia ❤
Aw Mia, a lovely name! Good luck!
I quit before I got pregnant, but want to help my other half to stop – my dad did this in his 60’s so very proud of him!
Well done to you and your dad! I hope your other half manages it too.
To be honest it is so expensive to smoke now so that is the main reason for giving up
A perfectly good reason. Just think of what you could do with all of the money you’ll save.
My children
A very good reason. Good luck!
my man needs to quite
Good luck to him!
The pack is for my friend. Quitting would have health benefits.
How lovely of you to support your friend. I hope they find success!
To be healthier and set a good example
Good for you. Good luck!
to save money!
Just think what you could treat yourself to, with all that saved money!
For my future.
Good luck!
My health and my daughter
Good luck!
My nephew, im now named guardian should the worst occur, If that isn’t motivation?…
Most definitely, good luck!
my kids. they want me to quit so i be more healthy
Good luck!
my kids. they want me to quit so i be more healthy
Good for them, what great motivation!
Because at 33 I have the lungs of someone who’s worked with asbestos all their life 🙁
Your lungs will begin to recover within 48 hours of quitting. Good luck!
My little girl and money!
Great reasons, good luck!
To be happier, healthier and a bit better off financially
Good for you; good luck!
To increase my life expectancy and be better off financially so to afford and enjoy lovely quality time spent on holidays with my family 🙂 x x
Great reasons. Good luck!
for my health
Good for you!