Couple’s Quit Smoking Success Shows Power of UHNM Support

Couple’s Quit Smoking Success Shows Power of UHNM Support

A couple from Stoke-on-Trent have successfully quit smoking after decades of addiction, thanks to specialist support from University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM).

Jo Dawson, a part-time carer and businesswoman living with COPD and asthma, attended a UHNM smoking cessation appointment after being referred by her COPD consultant. She was joined by her partner, Anthony Harvey, a long-distance HGV driver, who initially attended to support Jo; but ultimately decided to quit smoking himself.

Both Jo and Anthony had smoked since the age of 11, each smoking around 40 cigarettes a day. Despite previous attempts to quit independently, they found it difficult to overcome both nicotine dependence and deeply ingrained habits.

Jo, 51, from Milton, said: “I had tried to quit before on my own, but it never lasted. Losing my mum and seeing the impact on my health was the kick up the bum I needed. Now, my breathing is so much better that I forget to take my inhaler, which I was so reliant on before I quit.”

The couple decided to quit together, using varenicline medication alongside structured support from UHNM’s Tobacco Dependency Service. The programme included an initial prescription, regular reviews and a 12-week course designed to help manage cravings and support long-term behaviour change.

Anthony Harvey, 51, also from Milton, said: “At the start, I had no motivation; it was more about the habit than anything else. Doing it together made such a difference; we even got a bit competitive about it. The challenging part wasn’t just the nicotine, it was changing the routine.”

Varenicline works by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while allowing patients to focus on breaking habitual smoking behaviours.

Since quitting, both Jo and Anthony have experienced significant improvements in their health.

Jayne Pointon, Outpatients Tobacco Dependency Advisor at UHNM, said: “Within just 20 minutes of stopping smoking, blood pressure begins to fall and circulation improves. After 48 hours, carbon monoxide is eliminated from the body, and within weeks, lung function begins to recover as the body clears mucus and tar.”

The couple are now sharing their story to inspire others and have already encouraged two more people to begin their quit journeys.

UHNM’s Tobacco Dependency Service provides tailored, evidence-based support, recognising that quitting smoking is one of the most important steps people can take to improve their health and wellbeing.