Retired Hyde resident shares his journey to quit smoking for Stoptober

A retired Hyde resident has shared his inspiring journey to quit smoking as part of this year’s Stoptober campaign, which encourages smokers across the country to give up for 28 days and beyond.

James Brannigan, who lives in Hyde, started smoking at just 14 years old. Now retired, he’s been smoke-free for four months thanks to support from Be Well Tameside, after being referred by his respiratory nurse.

“I had to do something,” James said. “I lost my oxygen machine and my health was suffering. That was the wake-up call.”

James was supported by Jemma, a Be Well Tameside advisor, who helped organise nicotine replacement products through his pharmacy and provided ongoing encouragement.

“It was easier than I anticipated,” James said. “Jemma kept me going and made sure I had everything I needed.”

Since quitting, James says he feels “like a new man.” His sense of smell and taste have returned, his breathing has improved, and he can now walk upstairs more easily. He’s hopeful that this winter will bring fewer chest infections.

His message to others thinking about quitting is simple: “Go for it! It’s the best decision I’ve made and I should’ve done it years ago. It still pops into my brain, but it pops out again.”

James’s story was one of several shared at a Stoptober launch event held by Be Well Tameside at Ashton Indoor Market on Tuesday 23 September, where residents could speak to advisors, access free resources, and learn more about the benefits of quitting smoking or any tobacco product they use such as shisha or chewing tobacco.

Over the past 12 months, Be Well Tameside has helped more than 450 people to quit smoking, contributing to a healthier borough. The current smoking rate in Tameside stands at 18.4% and campaigns like Stoptober are vital in helping reduce this figure.

To further boost support for quitting in Tameside, Be Well Tameside is now working in partnership with Change Grow Live (CGL) to deliver the Be Well with CGL service, targeting groups where smoking and tobacco use are highest. This partnership aims to reach more people who need help to quit.

The Maternity Tobacco Dependency Team at Tameside Hospital supports pregnant women to have a healthy, smokefree pregnancy. The CURE Service at Tameside Hospital also helps people admitted to hospital begin their journey to becoming smokefree and tobacco-free.

Councillor Taf Sharif, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, said: “Quitting smoking is one of the most life-changing decisions anyone can make, it’s a powerful act of self-care that transforms lives. James’s story is proof that it’s never too late to take that first step, and the difference it can make is incredible. At Be Well Tameside, we’re committed to walking alongside our residents every step of the way, offering real, practical support, leading to healthier, longer lives.”

For free, confidential support to quit smoking, contact Be Well Tameside via www.tameside.gov.uk/bewelltameside or call 0161 342 5050.