Smokers in Teesside urged to quit as part of their New Year's resolution
Fresh says quitting smoking can literally give you your life back
"Every cigarette steals on average 20 minutes of life but quitting gives life back" - that’s the message from Fresh ahead of New Year.
It's because it's a time when thousands of people make quitting smoking their New Year’s resolution.
Fresh says the good news is quitting smoking can literally give you your life back. Someone smoking 10 cigarettes a day who quits smoking on the 1st of January 2026 could gain a full day of life by the 8th of January. This increases to a week of life by the 20th of February, and a month by the 5th of August. By the end of the year, you could have avoided losing 50 days of life.
Ailsa Rutter OBE, Director of Fresh and Balance, said: “Stopping smoking is the most amazing thing you can do for you and your loved ones so we’d urge people to make it their New Year’s resolution.
“Don’t be put off if you’ve tried before – millions of people who have quit smoking have had those ‘bumps’ before quitting for good. Treat failed quits as stepping stones because this time it can be different.
“January is a good time to quit as lots of other people are doing the same. Keep focused on the life you are gaining by quitting – that’s time to spend with loved ones and memories to be a part of. You’re more likely to quit with expert support so get free help from our fantastic stop smoking services – they can provide free quit smoking aids to help you ease the cravings and quit smoking for good.”
50 year-old John Stephenson, a grandad from Stockton, suffered a sudden heart attack at the age of just 48 from smoking. He was in hospital for six days and worked with the Cardiac rehab team for six months. John now works in public health, helping people to quit.
He said: “I knew I needed to be around for my family. Before my heart attack, I was ready to roll my eyes at anybody who asked me whether I smoked because I thought I was doing other things to protect my health, like eating a good diet. But you realise what massive damage smoking is doing to your health.
“I have now been smokefree for nearly two years and the difference is incredible. I vaped to quit smoking, and it means if I get stressed, I have a puff on my vape rather than a cigarette. Don’t kid yourself, you can’t just have one cigarette otherwise you’re a smoker again - it is never just one.
“Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t succeed first, second or third time. Every time we try and don’t succeed it’s not a failure. Keep trying and you will get there.”
To get started people can visit the Fresh Quit website for tips, advice and information on local stop smoking services.