‘I have been trying to give up for quite a while. I did have a go a couple of years ago but kept going back to it. I asked my GP for help to quit but that didn’t work out as I had to go back every week which meant more time off work.

My dad has recently stopped and so I thought now would be an ideal time because we could encourage each other. It’s very laid back at the group. They give you a chance to have your say and all the other guys are going through the same thing.

Champix is a relatively new treatment and it has really worked for me. It has been so easy because it takes away the need to smoke. The feeling of wanting a fag only lasts a few seconds and goes away easily. Before when I used to get a craving I would just have to go and have a cigarette. This time it’s different.

I tried an NRT inhaler before and it helped but it didn’t get rid of the cravings. Champix is a drug so once you take it you are committed to quitting really. I feel pretty confident and the longer I go without a cigarette the better it feels. The encouragement of the group has been really helpful too.