A former smoker from Northallerton is backing a new regional campaign encouraging people to quit, after giving up cigarettes following a serious health scare.
Ann Reid, who smoked for more than 50 years, is supporting the Turn the Corner initiative, which has launched across Yorkshire and Humber.
Ann quit smoking after being diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, following a hospital stay when she struggled to breathe.
She said: “Smoking really impacted my health. I remember one day I woke up and I just couldn’t catch my breath. I ended up being in hospital for three weeks and that’s when I was diagnosed with COPD.
“It was a real worry for me and for my family. I want to be around for them for as long as I can.”
Now a great-grandmother, Ann says she feels “happier and healthier” since quitting and is urging others to do the same.
“If I can do it, anyone can do it. You really won’t regret quitting,” she added.
The campaign, coordinated by the Centre for Excellence alongside 15 local authorities and Yorkshire Cancer Research, highlights the dangers of smoking and the benefits of stopping.
It features real-life stories, including a Yorkshire mother and daughter who both quit smoking after losing a family member to COPD.
Health leaders say smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and ill health in the region, and are encouraging people to seek support.
In North Yorkshire alone, more than 50,000 people are estimated to smoke.
Free help is available through local stop smoking services, as well as through the Smoke Free app, which is being offered with enhanced support as part of the campaign.
Councillor Michael Harrison, executive member for health and adult services at North Yorkshire Council, said: “It’s never too late to stop smoking, no matter how many years you’ve been doing it.”
Be the first to comment