“Heartbreaking Story of a Former Smoker Inspires Campaign for a Smoke-Free Greater Manchester”

Debbie Lindsay’s Painful Journey from Smoking to Hope: An Unforgettable Tale

Debbie Lindsay’s life took a fateful turn when she started smoking at just 15 years old, a decision that would ultimately rob her of numerous loved ones over the years. Now, she’s leading a passionate campaign to ensure that others don’t make the same mistake. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths in Greater Manchester, and her story serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of this habit.

Debbie, a mother of five from Chadderton, was surrounded by family members who also smoked. However, the toll on her health became evident over time, as she suffered from severe chest infections that would take weeks to recover from. The turning point came when she lost friends and family to smoking-related diseases. This heart-wrenching experience convinced her to quit smoking.

After successfully remaining smoke-free for seven years, the strain of caring for her father, who tragically passed away from cancer, led Debbie to relapse. Years later, she found herself seriously ill in the hospital due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

In Greater Manchester, approximately 5,700 people lose their lives each year due to smoking-related illnesses, with 150,000 smokers living in ill-health and almost 15,000 unable to work because of smoking-related conditions.

Debbie’s Determination to Make a Change

Debbie knew that she had to quit smoking for good after being confined to the hospital with COPD. In 2022, she made the brave decision to quit once more. Now, more than a year later, her health has significantly improved.

She used lozenges and nicotine patches to help her overcome her addiction, and the results have been remarkable. Her smokers’ cough has disappeared, and her COPD has improved considerably. Before quitting, she would frequently suffer from chest infections that took weeks to recover from. Today, she rarely gets them and can recover much faster. She has also found renewed energy to enjoy her garden and home.

Debbie’s journey has also inspired her 40-year-old son to quit smoking. His decision came after witnessing her struggle with COPD. He has now been smoke-free for a year and received a clean bill of health from the doctors.

A Campaign to Create a Smoke-Free Greater Manchester

Debbie is playing a crucial role in leading a campaign by NHS Greater Manchester to make the region smoke-free by 2030, as 14% of its residents continue to smoke regularly. The campaign features a powerful new mural on the main bus route through Levenshulme by Russell Meehan, known as Qubek, the artist behind the famous 22 bees mural commemorating the lives lost in the Manchester Arena bombing.

Dr. Matt Evison, Clinical Lead for Greater Manchester’s tobacco control program, emphasizes that most people who smoke become addicted as children and desperately want to quit. He has seen the devastating impact of smoking firsthand and believes that there is no greater gift one can give to their health than quitting smoking.

The campaign is supported by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. Smoking remains the biggest cause of preventable death and ill-health in the region. The aim is to deter young people from ever trying a cigarette, thus preventing a potential lifetime of addiction and health issues like cancer and heart disease. The campaign includes a Make Smoking History program, offering free, personalized support for residents who smoke.

The government is also launching a UK-wide consultation to stop young people from taking up smoking and to end the harm it causes. With campaigns like this, there’s hope for a smoke-free future, where people can live longer, healthier lives.

Debbie’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of quitting smoking and the difference it can make in one’s life and the lives of their loved ones.

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