Grimsby resident and former smoker, Wendy Robinson, is urging anyone who smokes to seek help to stop smoking after undergoing surgery to remove lung cancer.
Wendy’s story is part of the ‘Yes to Quit’ campaign, which took place earlier this year throughout Yorkshire and the Humber.
It asked audiences about important life events they might miss due to smoking, such as weddings, births or quality time with others, since two in three smokers will die prematurely unless they quit.
Wendy’s story began in her teenage years when smoking was common among her family and friends and was heavily advertised in the media.
“At the age of 12, when I started smoking, the tobacco industry glamourised smoking everywhere; Bette Lynch in Coronation Street and all the kids smoking in Grange Hill,” Wendy explained.
She became addicted and continued smoking for 33 years before successfully quitting with the aid of a vape.
A scan following recent surgery for kidney cancer – also attributable to smoking – revealed a growth on her lung.
She said: “It was a real shock when I discovered that they’d found a nodule on my lung, especially after already having had surgery for kidney cancer, but I couldn’t believe the speed it was dealt with – I had an appointment with a consultant within three weeks, and surgery was scheduled to remove the nodule by the end of January.
“It is scary to think that the lung cancer could still be there without me knowing. I have missed too much because of smoking, and I don’t want to miss anything else – I’m so glad that I’ve quit and I’m doing everything I can to protect my future health, and help other people to do the same.”
Wendy’s consultant, Mr Michael Gooseman, Consultant Thoracic Surgeon based at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham added: “Wendy has been incredibly brave and generous in sharing her story so openly with the aim of helping others and to provide real inspiration to stop smoking.
“When patients are found to have nodules in the lungs there will be many occasions where they continue to smoke. I want to emphasise there are huge health benefits through stopping smoking at any stage, but especially when changes have occurred in the lungs. Smoking can cause ongoing damage to the lung, meaning it’s harder to breathe and makes surgery a riskier option. In some cases, it is not safe to offer surgery as the patients’ lungs are not strong enough.
“Wendy’s story shows the excellent outcomes that can be achieved. I am delighted with how her surgery went, being discharged the day following major surgery and making the fantastic recovery she has. She has remained extremely positive, showing the benefits stopping smoking can bring.”
Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death in the UK and is a major concern for the Humber and North Yorkshire region, which contains areas with some of the highest smoking rates in the country.
Scott Crosby, Associate Director for the Humber and North Yorkshire Centre for Excellence in Tobacco Control, said: “Smoking rates have gradually declined over the years, however there are still thousands of people across our communities who have been snared into smoking from a young age by clever marketing from big tobacco companies and are now living with debilitating health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, emphysema, and cancer.
“The progression of the historic Tobacco and Vapes Bill marks a once-in-a-generation chance to protect people from this uniquely lethal product and make it easier for smokers to quit for good.
“Most people who smoke want to stop, and with the right support – whether stop smoking services, quitting aids, or switching completely to vaping – it’s much easier. Thousands successfully quit every year and live healthier, longer lives and our Yes to Quit campaign hopes to drive more people than ever before to quit for good.
“If you’ve tried before, don’t stop trying. Your next attempt could be the one that works.”
Click here to view Wendy’s journey (trigger warning, this includes clips from Wendy’s surgery) https://yestoquit.co.uk/wendys-story/
If you, or someone you care about, wants to find out more about quitting and the local services available to you.
North East Lincolnshire Council’s stop smoking service is on hand to offer a variety of support.
This includes face-to-face support and advice, phone calls/texts and stop smoking aids that can help you to not smoke when you feel you really want to. You can also get access to a free vape starter kit, with up to 12-week supply of salts when using the service and meeting regularly with the team, as well as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), such as nicotine patches and gum. You can use more than one of these paths.
- To find out more, discover a support venue near you or self-refer by visiting: www.nelincs.gov.uk/stop-smoking
- Call: (01472) 325500, Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 4pm, except bank holidays
- Email: [email protected]
The council also offers free six-month premium access to the Smokefree app to set goals, track progress and stay motivated, with expert advisors on hand 24/7.
The app is available on iOS and Android and can be downloaded via the app store or by visiting getmesmokefree.com. You will be invited to enter your details, including your postcode. Once a qualifying North East Lincolnshire postcode is provided, you can create an account and get started.
Every cigarette not smoked is a step toward a healthier future. Let our Wellbeing Service help you take that first step.
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