Jackie Dunbar MSP, who successfully completed her own personal journey to live a tobacco-free life, is backing a health charity’s national No Smoking Day campaign urging people across Aberdeen who smoke to make attempts to stop and win through improvements in their physical health, mental wellbeing and finances.

The MSP for Aberdeen Donside is supporting ASH Scotland’s ‘Quit and Win’ campaign, which is highlighting that giving up smoking increases opportunities to live a healthier life through improving mental health and decreasing the risks of developing coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia and some cancers.

Jackie said: “I started smoking when I was 15 and was using just one or two cigarettes a day and, slowly over the years, I began smoking more to the point I was probably hitting 30 a day. My parents were smokers as back then, in the late 70s and early 80s, smoking was normal and acceptable – much different to today!

“When my daughter was born, I felt I needed to quit smoking. My biggest fear, strange as it sounds now, was the thought of never having another cigarette. I wanted to give up smoking but could not see a world in which I did not have one in my hand.

“I was diagnosed as borderline asthmatic, borderline COPD and was constantly coughing during my sleep. I knew my health was getting worse so had to go do something. A vital thing about stopping smoking is that you really need to want to. It is your decision.

“I came across pre-quit patches and after using them for three weeks, I noticed that I wasn't smoking as much and, by week four, I had stopped completely. I have been lucky in that I've never relapsed, as I always said to myself that I wasn't going to give in and have a cigarette just because I wanted one.

“Since giving up smoking my lung health has improved, I am not coughing as much, I sleep better and I do more walking which I enjoy. The best thing for me was when someone at my work noticed I wasn't smoking and thought if I could do it, she could too – and she did!

“I am pleased to be supporting ASH Scotland’s ‘Quit and Win’ campaign. Giving up smoking is a personal thing and you just need to do it your own way. I urge anyone who is thinking about quitting smoking to find what works for you and, if you need support, it is good to know that you can reach out to the free NHS service Quit Your Way.”

Anyone in Scotland who has the goal of giving up smoking can visit Quit Your Way Scotland by clicking the button below, or call the free helpline on 0800 848484. Run by NHS 24, they provide tailored advice to help you stop in a way that suits you.