Woman shares late father's story to encourage smokers to seek support

A Swindon woman whose father died from a smoking-related condition is sharing her family’s story to encourage others to quit smoking and seek support while there is still time.

A Swindon woman whose father died from a smoking-related condition is sharing her family’s story to encourage others to quit smoking and seek support while there is still time.

Katie’s father, Nigel, started smoking when he was just 13 years old. Smoking was common throughout the family, with both his parents and grandparents smoking.

Over the years, his habit grew and he eventually smoked up to 60 cigarettes a day. 

Nigel died at the age of 74 from a smoking-related condition that affected his heart, circulatory system and lungs.

Reflecting on the loss, Katie said: “I miss his guidance and support and his ability to be able to reorientate me much like a compass would, and really just to be in his presence and probably to give him a big hug.”

Her story comes as health professionals continue to highlight the devastating impact smoking has on local families. 

Around 230 people in Swindon die each year because of smoking-related illnesses, equating to around five deaths every week.

While the effects of smoking can be severe, experts stress that it is never too late to quit. Stopping smoking can reduce the risk of serious illnesses and help people enjoy more healthy years with the people they care about most.

Swindon residents looking to quit can access free support through the local Stop Smoking Service. 

Trained Stop Smoking coaches provide friendly, non-judgemental support tailored to each individual’s needs, helping people overcome cravings and make lasting changes to their habits.

The service is already helping local people to stop smoking. In the past year, Swindon’s Stop Smoking Service supported 1,230 quit attempts, with 380 people successfully quitting, giving the service a successful quit rate of 31 per cent.

Support is available face-to-face, over the phone or online and is delivered through an eight to 12-week programme.
Following a referral and assessment, a coach will contact participants to arrange an initial appointment. 

The first session lasts around 30 to 40 minutes, followed by regular 15-minute sessions throughout the programme.

The service offers support with developing a personalised quit plan, making sustainable behaviour changes, managing cravings and temptations, addressing concerns around weight gain and stress management, and finding suitable stop-smoking medications or vape kits.

Participants can also benefit from free carbon monoxide testing and up to 12 weeks of stop smoking medication, with standard prescription charges applying where applicable.

Residents interested in accessing support can find out more and make a referral through the Swindon Stop Smoking Service by searching ‘Stop Smoking’ on the council’s website.

For Katie, the message is simple. Quitting smoking could help people avoid the health problems her father experienced and give them more time with the people they love.