A SALE mum who had a £400 a month smoking habit has saved up enough money to buy a car after quitting.

Louise Finney, 39, smoked up to 40 cigarettes a day and said she feared she would never be able to quit after starting at the age of 15.

The mum-of-three and grandmother-of-one said she did not realise the impact smoking was having on her health.

Louise said: “It’s a brilliant feeling being able to breathe so easily now I’ve quit smoking.

“I used to run for two miles and stop because I was out of breath.

"Now I can run for eight and I’m planning to do a marathon next year.”

Louise was supported by Trafford Stop Smoking manager, Kerry Briggs, from Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, and used prescription nicotine patches to help curb her cravings.

Kerry said: “Louise is a fantastic example of how quitting smoking can benefit your health, your finances and your confidence.

“We hope as many people as possible will follow in her footsteps and take the first steps to quitting during the national Stoptober campaign, which runs throughout October.

“If someone can stop smoking for 28 days, they are five times more likely to quit for good.

“It’s one of the hardest things a person can do, but our experienced staff can provide advice about the best treatments and medications to help, as well as supporting people every step of the way.”

Louise added: "My kids are over the moon I’ve quit and my mum keeps telling me how proud she is.

“I have so much extra money now as well I’ve been able to buy a car and my confidence and belief in myself has shot up.”

Just over 20 per cent of Trafford’s population are smokers, which is higher than the national average of 19.8 per cent

Trafford residents who sign up to this year’s Stoptober campaign will be sent a free stop smoking pack, mobile phone app and text support with daily updates and advice and detailed tools and tips for coping.

People can contact Trafford’s stop smoking team on 0300 4562400, by email at stopsmoking.trafford@nhs.net or can visit trafford.gov.uk/stopsmoking. Alternatively, they can search ‘Stoptober’ online.