A TRAFFORD grandmother has kicked her smoking habit of almost 40 years after it began to cause her health complications.

Carol Lucy, 53, started smoking aged 14 and her 20-a-day habit had started to give her mouth abscesses and constant chest infections.

Carol, from Urmston, contacted her GP practice for support to help her to quit and was referred to a specialist advisor from Trafford Stop Smoking Service, which is run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Her adviser also provided her with encouragement every step of the way to beat her cravings and find distractions when she wanted a cigarette.

Carol said: “I don’t even like the smell now. The dentist has been so impressed with how my teeth have been, my abscesses have cleared up and I haven’t had a chest infection in months.

“I feel so much better, I sleep better and I’ve got more money to spend. I wish I’d done this years ago.”

Carol added her family is proud of her achievement.

She said: “My granddaughter says, ‘It’s lovely coming to your house now it doesn’t smell like cigarettes.’”

Carol is now £40 a week better off and says her success has inspired her daughter to quit too.

Trafford Council executive member for adult social services and community wellbeing, Cllr Alex Williams said: “The council is committed to playing its part in helping local residents lead healthier lives. Carol’s story is one that should act as a focus and motivation to others who have thought before about quitting smoking but not got round to it.

"It can be done and people should know that there is help and support available to them to help them quit. Stoptober just gives extra focus for smokers who want to start on the road to a smoking free future.”

Trafford Stop Smoking Service is encouraging the borough’s 34,000 smokers to join the national Stoptober movement by Public Health England and take the first steps towards a smoke free life.

Kerry Briggs, Trafford Stop Smoking Service Manager, said: “Carol’s story shows that no matter how long you’ve been smoking, it’s never too late to quit.

“Our specialist advisors will support you every step of the way and give you the tools and encouragement to quit for good.”

Call 0300 456 2400 to arrange an informal appointment at a time to suit you or email stopsmoking.trafford@nhs.net.