Vaping has helped millions of smokers kick the habit and change their lives for the better.

As part of this year’s VApril campaign, we are shining a light on the individual experiences of just some of those adults who have quit through vaping.

For this blog, we spoke to Paul Brittain – a 53-year-old research nurse with York Hospital – who explained how the quitting tool helped him break a near 35-year habit, and what the impact has been on his life.

He said:

“I started smoking around the age of 17. It was probably, as I think back, a result of me trying to fit in. I was a trainee electrician at the time and most of my workmates were smokers.

“When I was 40, I made a semi-successful quit attempt through hypnotherapy, which helped me stop smoking for almost 18-months. But if I’m honest, I don’t think I really wanted to quit and so eventually slipped back into my old ways while on a holiday in Gran Canaria.

“After many years and many, many, many more failed attempts, I was FINALLY able to kick the habit for good at age 51 with the help of vaping.

“This time was different than all the others. Attitudes to towards smoking, including my own, had changed and it was just so expensive. My grandson had also just been born and wanted to be around to watch him grow up and take an active part in his childhood.

“So, I committed myself to one last try and, with the support of a stop smoking service and vaping, was successful. Now, two and a half years later, I feel amazing – I’m breathing and moving better (and I smell much better as well).

“Vaping was instrumental in helping me become smokefree. I also think the change in language towards smokers was really helpful – the stop smoking team were really supportive and acknowledging of how difficult quitting can be.

“I’d recommend vaping to anyone who has tried multiple times to stop. It’s also important to remember that you don’t need to do this on your own – there are great support services out there so get in touch with your local stop smoking service and access free advice from someone who can help you on that journey.

“This is me now, my attitude and thought processes have changed and I am better off not only in my health but also in my wallet. Vaping worked for me, why not give it a go.

It’s been more than two years, and I am STILL smokefree – not words I ever thought I would say but here I am!

To hear more stories like Paul’s, or to learn more about how vaping can help you kick the habit for good, visit VApril.org today.