If you are a smoker, quitting is the single best thing you can do for your health. That's what One You Cheshire East Be Smoke Free member, David, found out when he joined the programme. Motivated by his family, especially his grandson, David said: "it's wanting to be alive to see him grow up that's my motivation."

This Stoptober, One You Cheshire East is calling on the residents of Cheshire East to commit to the quit for 28 days and raising awareness of the free support available to help everyone be smoke free. Simply follow the link here or call 0300 123 5026.

People who take part in Stoptober are five times more likely to quit for good.

Combining behavioural support and treatment is the best way of stopping smoking and One You Cheshire East are here to support with their free, 12 week Be Smoke Free programme or the Swap to Stop Scheme.

David shares "It is hard for some, I found it easier with the encouragement and the guidance from the no smoking clinic and Karolina, do it."

"Very thankful for this service, it's given me more time in life to see my grandchild growing up and live longer for my grandson."

After four heart attacks, two TIAs and a stroke, David never thought he'd quit. But just two weeks into the Be Smoke Free programme, he gave up smoking and hasn't looked back.

10 weeks into the programme since giving up smoking, David has felt better with breathing, smelling, sleeping, saving money, saving so much money he has treated himself to an Xbox and has more money to give to his family.

"Christmas is coming up, my grandchild's first Christmas is going to be extra special with more money and no smoke and I just wish everyone could do this." He shares.

The average programme participant could save £75.80 per week by quitting. That's £325 a month or a huge £920.80 between the beginning of Stoptober and Christmas.

It's not just financial benefits, people who quit smoking report many other improvements, from better looking skin, improved sense of taste and smell, breathing easier and circulatory improvements, more energy and better sleep.

Prof. Rod Thomson, Interim Director of Population Health, Public Health Team at Cheshire East Council shares:

"Smoking remains one of the biggest threats to public health and is a leading cause of health inequalities. Stopping smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health and your loved ones. In Cheshire East we have a very successful Be Smoke Free programme, a free service so you can make a positive difference in your life."

If you would like to find out more, visit www.oneyoucheshireeast.org/smoke-free/ or contact the One You Cheshire East team via email [email protected] or call: 0300 123 5026.