A second chance- Paulo’s Story

Paulo was referred to Smokefree Norfolk after attending a COPD course. Concerned about his health, the financial cost of smoking, and his wife’s worries, Paulo decided it was time to quit.

“I didn’t think I had a chance when I first contacted the service. I thought it would be too hard. I’d tried quitting before and managed three months, but depression during cancer treatment and lockdown threw everything off. Smoking gave me a sense of calm, and I liked it—but I knew it was time to stop.”

Quitting smoking brings rapid improvements to your health. Within 20 minutes, your pulse rate begins to return to normal. After just 48 hours, your lungs start clearing out mucus and your sense of taste and smell improves. Over time, your risk of heart attack and lung cancer significantly decreases. Smokefree Norfolk helps you unlock these benefits with expert support every step of the way.

“I chose to use Zyban and work with my Health Coach who was brilliant. If I ever felt in trouble, I knew I could call him. He has a lot of empathy and tells it like it is, which is exactly what I needed.

“The biggest challenge was simply not putting a cigarette in my mouth. I also felt pressure not to let my wife down. Some of these challenges are tied to mental health, so I’m not completely over the hill—but I’m proud of what I’ve achieved. I’ve been given a second chance, and I want to take it.

“So far, I’ve used the money I’ve saved to buy a shed for my wife’s allotment, treated myself to a smartphone, taken my wife out for meals, and even donated to football charities. It feels good to use that money for something positive.

“I plan to keep going. I’m expecting things to get easier, and I’ll continue working with my Health Coach—he sets me goals, and I like that. I’m in a better place than I’ve been in a long time.”