A SALISBURY lorry driver who quit smoking just three months ago is urging others to follow his lead ahead of this year’s No Smoking Day.

Andrew Painter, 59, says his life has changed dramatically since giving up cigarettes with support from Wiltshire Council’s free stop smoking service.

The HGV driver, who lives in the city with his wife and dog, decided to quit after attending a lung health check and being referred to the Smokefree Wiltshire programme.

He said: “I can’t express to you how much better I feel in just 12 weeks – the difference is incredible.

“I feel like I can be more active – I’m taking up swimming and going to get some of my fitness back. That’s something I couldn’t have done before.”

Andrew said the support he received from a health coach helped him stay motivated.

Using nicotine patches and weekly face-to-face check-ins, he was able to gradually reduce his nicotine intake.

His decision has also had a big impact on his family.

“My wife and all my family are so pleased for me – every time I see my granddaughter she says, ‘well done grandad’ and that feels great,” he said.

Andrew says the benefits to his health were noticeable almost immediately.

He is now encouraging others to make the same decision tomorrow – No Smoking Day.

He said: “Have a plan for when you get cravings – I had an inhalator and took the dog out for a walk to distract me when I’d usually have a smoke.

“The difference I feel in myself is unbelievable – I’d encourage anyone to get help and give quitting a go.”

Director of Public Health for Wiltshire Kate Blackburn said: “Research shows that you’re three times more likely to quit with expert support, so if you want to quit, please make use of the free help available through the stop smoking services offered across Wiltshire.”

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for public health and coordination with the NHS Clare Cape added: “We want to make it as simple as possible for anyone who smokes to access free support that suits their needs, and to encourage them to keep trying, because quitting is always worth it.”

Residents can access free support through the Smokefree Wiltshire programme, including a 12-week coaching service, stop-smoking aids and the Smoke Free app.

More information is available on the Wiltshire Council website.