Longley Lady gives up smoking in memory of her friend
When Elaine Facer’s friend died unexpectedly from a brain tumour, the 62 year-old woman from Longley in Sheffield decided to raise money for Neurocare. Her method for raising money was a little out of the ordinary – she decided to get her friends and family to sponsor her to give up smoking.
After 51 years of over 20 a day, Elaine has so far raised over £100 and with the help of NHS Sheffield’s Stop Smoking Service has gone 7 weeks without smoking.
“I’ve asked people to sponsor me to raise money for Neurocare as it’s close to my heart. My friend from Bingo club recently died at 86 from a brain tumour and she didn’t even know she had one. She was a lovely woman- always signing!”
“I’ve had enough of smoking anyway and even though I still get the odd pang of a craving I can’t have one because I don’t want to let down Neurocare and all the people who’ve sponsored me.”
Lesley Eland Fundraising Director for Neurocare said: “Elaine is doing so well giving up smoking after all these years. I think raising money for Neurocare has really helped her to stay focused and has given her a goal to aim for. What an amazing lady she is! Thank you and good luck Elaine!”
NHS Sheffield’s Stop Smoking Service has been helping Elaine in her bid to stay smoke-free. The service is also highlighting the help they can offer to smokers who may want to give up the habit, following the increase in price of packets of cigarettes announced in Alistair Darling’s budget on Wednesday.
Claire Holden from the Stop Smoking Service said: “Everybody has their own reasons for giving up smoking – the financial benefits of stopping smoking is just one. Even if you give up smoking for money – you still benefit in so many other ways- the improvement to your health is the obvious benefit.”
Elisabeth Rogers (aged 51) from Southey Green smoked an average of 30 cigarettes a day for over 32 years. She said: “I thought long and hard and realised that I had no valid reason to smoke, and that I couldn’t justify doing it anymore.
“I went to the NHS Stop Smoking Service in November 2008 and planned to stop with their support. In early February I began nicotine replacement therapy and on February 13th I put out my last cigarette. It turned out I only needed one prescription and I still feel very strong and can safely say I don’t want to smoke again.
“Since quitting I’ve noticed my breathing getting better- I’m not out of breath walking up a few steps anymore, but the big difference I feel is in my legs – they no longer ache – I think that must be my circulation getting back to normal.
“The big barrier for me was the fear – I had always been too scared to try to quit. I was scared of coping with withdrawal symptoms – but I really want to let all other smokers know that it doesn’t hurt, you won’t die and don’t be scared!”
Smokers who would like to give up smoking can contact the NHS Stop Smoking Service 24 hours a day on free phone 0800 068 4490 for help and support.
People who’d like to sponsor Elaine’s big quit should contact Neurocare on 0114 267 6464.
