FOR more than six decades she had a 20-a-day habit, but a year after stubbing out her last cigarette, 82-year-old Mary Simmons says she now feels “very much better”.

Elliot Furniss

FOR more than six decades she had a 20-a-day habit, but a year after stubbing out her last cigarette, 82-year-old Mary Simmons says she now feels “very much better”.

In celebration of her achievement, Mrs Simmons, who started smoking aged 18, has now laid down the gauntlet to others by encouraging them to follow her lead and beat their addiction once and for all.

“I am very pleased with myself and feel very much better,” said Mrs Simmons, who lives in a residential home in Mellis, near Eye.

She smoked her last cigarette on September 1 last year after visiting Ipswich Hospital three times with a chest infection

She said: “It's now been more than a year and the date will forever be etched on my brain. My health and chest are both much better since I stopped smoking but I can't say it's been easy.

“I did use patches which helped a little bit, but it was mostly willpower and the support I had which helped me to stop.”

After remaining smoke-free for more than 400 days she has one simple message for others.

“I would tell non-smokers for goodness sake, don't start,” she said. “And for those who are already smoking - it's never too late to stop.

“Part of the reason I stopped was because everyone kept nagging me about it. Some of the staff where I live still smoke so now it's my turn to nag - I always pull their legs and say they should follow my example.

“But although it's been hard, I'm so glad I did it. I would never start smoking again.”

Suffolk Community Healthcare's Eye district nurse team and community matron Wendy Grimwade were instrumental in helping Mrs Simmons to quit, giving her all of the help, advice and support she needed.

Mrs Grimwade said: “We are extremely proud of Mary, who has shown it's never too late to quit.”

nAnyone who would like to give up smoking should contact the Suffolk Stop Smoking Service on 0800 0856 037, by email at suffolk.stop.smoking@ipswichhospital.nhs.uk or by text on 01473 704314.