Catherine - Stop Smoking West Coast: Oranga Hā

Greymouth mum Catherine Jermyn has kicked her smoking habit of thirty years.

“Financially I knew I just couldn’t keep smoking - every week I was blowing $50 a week on smokes. I was definitely ready to quit,” says Catherine.

Catherine’s first step in her smokefree journey was to get in touch with Trish Hunt from Oranga Hā - Tai Poutini: Stop Smoking West Coast.

“I knew Trish had been a regular smoker herself - if she could quit then so could I. We came up with a plan together and I knew she was just a text all call away if I needed her.

“Because I was so ready to quit it wasn’t actually as hard as I thought it would be. I haven’t had a single puff since quitting, and haven’t even been tempted to have a smoke when I’ve gone out with friends,” says Catherine.

Catherine says she’s really noticed the difference quitting has made to her bank account.

“Now I’ve quit I can buy more than I used to at the supermarket, and I’ve still got money in my bank account by the time my next pay comes around. Looking back, I can’t believe how much money I was just throwing away on cigarettes.”

Catherine’s advice to anyone thinking about quitting smoking is to ‘do it’.

“Find yourself a good support person and go for it. Tell lots of people too – you’ll be amazed at how many people know what you’re going through and want to help out.”

$50 a week better off after quitting a 30-year habit