Breathing easier together – Marion’s story

For Marion, quitting smoking was about improving her health and quality of life. Living with COPD and struggling with her breathing, Marion knew that smoking was having a serious impact on both her and her husband. Determined to make a change, they decided to quit together with support of the Smokefree Norfolk service.

"My main motivation for quitting was my health. I have COPD and was finding it difficult to breathe, and my husband was experiencing similar problems. We had both reached the point where we simply didn't enjoy smoking anymore and knew it was time to stop."

Smokefree Norfolk offers free, personalised support to help people quit smoking in a way that works for them. Through one-to-one coaching, access to stop smoking treatments and ongoing encouragement, the service helps people build confidence, stay motivated and achieve a smokefree lifestyle.

"We had stopped smoking before using varenicline, so when we heard it was available again, we contacted the service for support. This time, having the medication alongside regular support made a huge difference."

"The most helpful part was the combination of the treatment and Gemma's support. She was brilliant. Knowing she was going to call us each week kept us motivated and accountable, and it really helped us stay on track."

"There were some challenging moments along the way. One of the biggest tests was when our car broke down in the middle of nowhere and I felt like having a cigarette. Instead, I reminded myself how far we'd already come and how much we had to lose by starting again."

"We've now been smoke-free for three months and the difference has been incredible. We both feel so much better and can breathe much more easily. We've also saved a lot of money, which we've spent on garden furniture, a patio heater, two laptops and even a hot tub."

"We're determined to stay smokefree. The benefits to our health and wellbeing have made it worthwhile, and we're looking forward to enjoying a healthier future together."