Pete, originally from Dublin, but now living in Brandesburton in the East Riding of Yorkshire with his son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren, started smoking at just 12 years old. For nearly 60 years, cigarettes were part of his everyday life. But after losing his wife to lung cancer, Pete made the decision to quit smoking for good – determined to improve his health after being diagnosed with COPD and spend more time making memories with his family.

“When I started smoking everyone was doing it. You don’t think about the risks when you’re young and you want to fit in.

“Four years ago, my wife passed away from lung cancer. Losing her was a huge reason for me wanting to quit. I wanted to look after my health and be there for my family.” 

Pete successfully quit smoking with the help of a vape, which helped him to manage cravings and stay smokefree.

“The urge to smoke just isn’t there anymore. Whenever I get a craving, I use my vape to help me through it. Honestly, I don’t think I would have quit for good without it.”

Since quitting smoking, Pete says his life and health have improved dramatically. 

“I can breathe better, eat better, and I feel so much healthier in myself since giving up smoking. I’m doing things now that I never thought I’d do – like going to the gym with my son and working out for an hour.”

Pete’s family are all so proud of him. His daughter-in-law, Katy said:

“I honestly didn’t think I’d see the day that Pete would quit, but I’m so proud of him. He literally changed the habit of a lifetime. I also believe that if he hadn’t used a vape, he’d have relapsed and been smoking again, feeling like it’s impossible to quit. 

The vape has been a lifechanging and, realistically, lifesaving swap for him”

Now smokefree, Pete hopes his story will encourage others to take the first step towards quitting. His advice is simple:

“Try – just try. I did, and it worked.”