‘It’s never to late to try’: Former smoker quits in time for 80th birthday

A former smoker who lost her father and brother to diseases caused by the habit, is calling on South Londoners to protect their health and quit this Stoptober.

Erene Goodsir, 79, from Brixton Hill, Lambeth had smoked for 60 years when she quit. 

In that time, she had two polyps – small growths – removed from her throat directly caused by smoking. She also suffered the loss of her dad and brother.

She said: “I’ve lost a lot of people to smoking. My father lost both his legs from smoking, he had hardening of the arteries. My brother too – he died early.”

After seeing firsthand what impact smoking can have, Ms Goodsir decided to quit. It took her several attempts to quit for good but she managed to get support from her neighbourhood stop smoking clinic.

She said: “It wasn’t easy to give up smoking, because I was here on my own. Whenever I would get upset I would reach for a cigarette. So it took me quite a few times to try and stop.

“I went to the smoking clinic. The young lady there, Christina, was ever so helpful. And it took me, I’d say a good three months before I stopped.”

Now that she has quit, Ms Goodsir says she has a “better life” and is looking forward to celebrating her 80th birthday without a cigarette. 

In support of the Stoptober campaign, she said: “It’s never to late to try and if you’re not successful first time, keep trying.”

Stoptober is an awareness raising campaign that encourages smokers to make a quit attempt for the month of October. The idea is that if you can go 28 days smoke free, you’re five times more likely to quit for good.

Tracy Parr, Programme Director for London Tobacco Alliance and Stop Smoking London said: “Free help is available for anyone in London who wants to stop smoking. 

“Stoptober is a good time to make a quit attempt as there are lots of other people doing the same. 

“The Stop Smoking London website provides tips and advice from other Londoners sharing their quitting stories and expert guidance from healthcare professionals to help you achieve your goal of becoming smoke free.”

Find support to quit at: www.stopsmokinglondon.com

Pictured top: Erene Goodsir from Brixton Hill (Picture: Stop Smoking London)