A chef from Bath who decided to get help to quit smoking and suceeded in kicking the habit that day is encouraging local residents to do the same.
Wayne Tippett, 50, says a real determination to cut out the cigarettes has made the change easy – although support from Sirona’s Stop Smoking team has been vital.
Wayne was speaking on the eve of Stoptober when people are encouraged to set a date to stop smoking on 1st October and be smoke free on 28th October.
Events to encourage people across Bath and North East Somerset to take part will be taking place in Keynsham, Bath and Radstock.
Wayne, a day nursery chef, who had smoked on and off for over 20 years, had called into Bath’s One Stop Shop in April when he saw posters advertising the healthcare provider’s drop-in sessions at the centre.
Wayne visited the team on a lunch break soon after and that day he went from a 20-a-day habit to non-smoker in one leap – just four days before he turned 50.
He said: “I really wanted to stop – I’d done it before but started again. This time it was the right time and I was in the right frame of mind to actually do it.
“It was a brilliant service and I think I surprised them with how quickly I stopped – I went from 20 one day to nothing the next.
“I’ve had cravings but nothing too drastic – I feel so determined that I’ve overcome them.”
Through Sirona’s service Wayne opted for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) using patches and gum.
He said: “I feel much healthier in myself and have much more energy. I’ve always tried to keep fit by walking to work, going swimming and cycling. But now I find I can cycle from the bottom of town up the hills with no effort at all.
“Also, working in a nursery environment I thought it would be a good thing to give up.”
Sirona’s Stop Smoking Service runs drop-in sessions across Bath and North East Somerset area, including in Bath, Midsomer Norton, Paulton and Keynsham.
To find out more, contact the team on 01225 831852, email [email protected] or visit Sirona’s Healthy Lifestyles section at www.sirona-cic.org.uk.
The special Stoptober events take place on:
- September 11 Radco, Radstock, 10am to 2pm.
- September 13 Kingsmead Square, Bath, 10am to 2pm.
- September 15, Odd Down Park & Ride, Bath, 7am-9am and 4pm to 6pm.
- September 16 at the Train Station, Keynsham, 7am to 9am.
