With the help of Stop for Life Oxon, Oxfordshire County Council’s stop smoking service, she managed to kick the habit back in October. She is now encouraging others to quit smoking.

“I was working as a waitress when I took up smoking at 21. We didn’t get lunch breaks but there was a staff room we could go for a smoke and a cuppa. It was easy to get smoke breaks and everyone else was smoking so I started so I could sit down for a minute!”

After nearly 20 years of lighting up, Ashton knew last year it was time to quit.

“I promised myself I would quit at 40, and I was halfway through the year when I knew enough was enough. I have a young son and want to be there for him.”

It was when she went to speak to her GP that they suggested she try the local stop smoking service, Stop for Life Oxon.

Free local Stop Smoking services have assisted thousands of people across the South East of England in giving up smoking using tools like coaching, one-to-one support, vapes and other nicotine replacement therapies.

She contacted the service and was supported throughout her journey by her coach Helen.

“Helen helped so much. I set a date with her several weeks before I actually quit, so I felt prepared when the day finally came. I used patches and a vape too.”

Since quitting last year, she has already noticed a huge difference.

“My skin is brighter, I have saved a lot of money, I’m not constantly on edge wanting a cigarette, and I don’t smell like an ashtray anymore!”

“Giving up smoking not only greatly benefits your physical health by making you feel fitter and reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer, but it can also improve your mental wellbeing and save you money.