Not even when my girlfriend (now my wife) started in her early 20s, no doubt partly influenced by me. Why did I stop then? My darling sons.

As a father, I can answer every question they ask me in some way, morally, logically or intellectually (sometimes all three!) The one question that did floor me was "Why do you smoke Daddy?" Smokers know there isn't a good reason but how do you explain it to a 7 year old?

So, 1 January 2006, got up, rolled a fag and lit it, same as I had every morning of my life since 1972 or thereabouts. This time, I took a deep drag, thought about what I was doing, pictured my boy's faces, reflected that I've got to last at least another ten years then very deliberately stubbed it out. The first six weeks were the worst of my life and (at
moments) I really didn't care whether I lived or not. Each time, I gave my boys a hug, gritted my teeth and carried on.

Result, now I'm healthier, playing football with the kids and squash with a mate, enjoying my food and barely even thinking about smoking. One challenge remains, to help my wife when she is ready to stop. Best of luck to anyone trying, it is very hard but isn't everything that's worth doing?

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