North Yorkshire man quits smoking after 65 years at 79

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 17:38 · Archive

A 79-year-old from Whitby has quit smoking after 65 years with help from a council service.

Terry Wilkinson, 79, from Whitby has quit smoking after smoking continuously from the age of 14, apart from brief breaks. He was hospitalised with severe breathing problems before finally deciding to stop.

On the advice of his pharmacist, Mr Wilkinson was referred to North Yorkshire Council's Living Well Smoke Free service. Council advisor Selina Branagan visited him quickly, discussed his options and suggested a nicotine vape. He quit smoking on 12 June and has not smoked a cigarette since.

Mr Wilkinson said his health has improved dramatically since stopping. He was spending around £200 a month on cigarettes, and the savings have helped him towards buying a new electric car. He encouraged others considering quitting to contact the council, saying 'the support is there and it really works'.

Councillor Michael Harrison, North Yorkshire Council's executive member for health and adult services, congratulated Mr Wilkinson, saying it 'shows that it is never too late to quit smoking'.

How it is being reported

• 'It's never too late': North Yorkshire man's remarkable smoking turnaround at 79A Whitby man in his 70s has praised a "vital" service which has helped him quit smoking after 65 years.The Press (York) · 13 Oct, 16:48
• 'It's never too late': North Yorkshire man's remarkable smoking turnaround at 79A Whitby man in his 70s has praised a "vital" service which has helped him quit smoking after 65 years.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 13 Oct, 16:48

In this story: Terry Wilkinson · Selina Branagan · Michael Harrison · North Yorkshire Council · Whitby

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