Smoker of 55 years quitting thanks to Wiltshire support programme
Victoria Lofts is encouraging others to kick the habit too
A Wiltshire woman who's quit smoking after 55 years says it's having a major impact on her life.
Victoria Lofts describes herself as "one of the most dedicated smokers you'll ever meet", but has kicked the habit with the aid of Smokefree Wiltshire.
She's urging others to follow in her footsteps as people across the country aim to break their additions during Stoptober, a campaign encouraging smokers to quit for 28 days.
Victoria revealed she made the decision to stop smoking after being invited for a lung cancer screening.
"There were no signs of cancer, but there were signs that I had some damage due to the many years I've been smoking," she said. "Like a lot of people who smoke, I was in complete denial that I was going to be the one, that it didn't have any effect on me and I was fine.
"But actually when you see it in black and white, it's pause for though and I thought now's the time to do it."
Following more than half a century of smoking, Victoria said she would cough for an hour every morning, but that stopped soon after the decision to quit.
She added: "I've got more energy, my hair's better, my teeth aren't grim, everything changes." Other benefits of stopping smoking include a lower pulse rate and decreased risks of cardiovascular illnesses.
With the support of Smokefree Wiltshire, Victoria has switched to vapes, which is supplied to those quitting for free.
She said: "You get the vape, you get the liquid and they support you for six months, so straight away you're saving money and improving your health and addressing the nicotine addiction comes later for me.
"Whilst I've stopped smoking I'm still using the vape, but I'm gradually reducing the amount of nicotine that I'm using, so the intention is eventually to stop vaping as well."
Victoria says the Smokefree Wiltshire app is "really easy to use", with help available around the clock, as well as hints, tips and advice about how your health is improving on a daily basis.
She insists that anyone considering quitting shouldn't put it off, saying: "Pack it in, you will feel so much better."