AN Aberystwyth smoker who has given up after 45 years has urged other people to follow his lead.

Geoffrey Evans, 59, started smoking when he was just 14, but has not touched a cigarette since March. He decided to quit after suffering a major heart attack.

Geoff, who smoked between 20 and 30 cigarettes a day, said with the support of Stop Smoking Wales he had managed to give up relatively easily.

He said: “My doctor had urged me to give up smoking ever since my heart attack and referred me to Stop Smoking Wales. The service gave me a call, invited me to a group session at the National Library of Wales and I haven’t looked back since.

“I initially used patches and behavioural support to help me quit, but I no longer need them. I do still use an inhalator occasionally, but the worse part is definitely over. Having a cigarette now doesn’t seem at all worth it, given all the hard work that my surgeon and various health professionals put into my health.

“On the whole I’m also amazed at how easy it’s been to give up cigarettes. I thought quitting after 45 years would be very difficult, but I haven’t smoked since attending my first group session. The emotional and practical support provided by the service has been amazing.”

Susan O’Rourke, the senior smoking cessation specialist for Stop Smoking Wales in Carmarthen, said: “What Geoff’s story proves is that it really is never too late to quit smoking. Even if you’ve smoked 25-a-day for 40-plus years and have had major health issues, getting over this awful habit is always possible."

Stop Smoking Wales can be contacted by visiting www.stopsmokingwales.com or calling 0800 085 2219 to register.

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