Lizzie smiles when asked why she decided to give up – “I fell in love”.
Smoking since she was 14, Lizzie had given up for five years when her son was born, but continued on and off to smoke, and then vape.
Major challenges in her life had made it hard to give up – her mum died three years ago; her marriage ended; and she has had struggles with her mental health.
“Smoking was my crutch.”
But things took a turn for the better. She moved in to help look after her beloved dad Trev. And she started seeing someone.
“I knew he didn’t like me vaping. He said if he’d known I was a smoker he wouldn’t have got together with me. And I’ve always thought he was such a great guy. So I rang Quitline and asked for somebody to come and talk to me.”
Lizzie didn’t do chewing gum or patches, but with the support of Smoking Cessation Advisor Jackie Gurden, she stopped vaping.
“That was 10 months, three days ago. It was hard. But I’m healthier – I’m really happy now and I don’t need it.”
Lizzie (58) says her bank account has noticed the change.
“And the penny really dropped when I decided my health was more important.”
Her advice to others? “Don’t start. It’s just not cool any more.”