A WOMAN from Wiltshire who smoked for more than half a century is urging others not to give up on quitting after successfully stopping with specialist support.

Vicki Lofts smoked for 55 years before a health scare became the turning point.

After being told she had early signs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), she decided it was finally time to quit for good.

Previous attempts on her own had always ended in relapse, but this time Vicki signed up for free help through Wiltshire Council’s stop smoking service and downloaded the Smoke Free app – a combination she credits with changing her life.

She set her quit date just days before her birthday and committed fully. “Once I had decided to quit smoking, I set my quit date and signed up to the Smoke Free app,” said Vicki.

“I found the app really helpful as it gives you 24/7 access to a stop smoking advisor. I also received a vape really quickly, which was important as once I’d set a quit date I wanted to start straight away.”

Eight months on, the benefits have been dramatic as Vicki says she feels healthier and more energetic than she has in years – even buying herself a walking machine and completing 1.5 miles every day.

Her sleep and sense of taste have improved, her resting pulse rate has dropped significantly, and she no longer smells of smoke.

“If I can quit after smoking for 55 years, anyone can quit. It’s never too late,” she said.

Wiltshire Council says Vicki’s story highlights how vital expert support can be.

Cabinet member for public health Cllr Clare Cape urged smokers to seek help rather than going it alone, particularly at the start of the new year.

She said quitting smoking is “one of the best things you can do for your health” and that people are “three times more likely to quit with expert support”.

People can access a free 12-week stop smoking programme, including specialist health coaches, stop smoking aids and six months’ free access to the Smoke Free app, which offers round-the-clock support.

More information is available by visiting www.wiltshire.gov.uk/smokefree