It’s never too late to quit
A heavy smoker from Thornaby has proved it’s never too late to quit smoking.
Kenny White, 62, originally from Norton, who has lived in Thornaby for over 30 years has quit smoking after 50 years.
Kenny, who works as a handyman at a care home said: “I had tried to give up smoking a number of times before, but I hadn’t been successful.
“I have done it because of my grandson, who is nearly one year old and to improve my health. I started going to the stop smoking clinic in January at the Riverbank Centre in Thornaby every Wednesday on the way home from work.
“The nurses and advisors at the clinic have been really good. I’ve been using a nicotine replacement oral product and patches. The staff at the clinic are fantastic. They’re really helpful and encouraging. I’d definitely recommend this clinic to anyone who really wants to quit smoking.
“I have an active job. I’m definitely starting to feel fitter. I’ve also cut down the amount I drink. It definitely isn’t easy and there have been times when I’ve felt like I’ve wanted a cigarette, but I haven’t had one since I started going to the clinics.
“I’ve still got a way to go, but never in a million years did I think I’d get this far.”
Specialist stop smoking advisor Rafeed Rashid said: “Kenny has proved that it is never too late to quit smoking. No matter how long you have smoked for and no matter how many a day, it can really benefit your health. People need to be ready to quit smoking and like Kenny, may need to come back more than once for help and support and that’s exactly what we’re here to do.”