Reformed smoker launches help site

Wayne Leach smoked 20 a day for over 20 years before he got professional help from NHS Bradford and Airedale’s stop smoking service. He quit in May.

Mr Leach, aged 39, had previously tried to stop smoking on his own but had always slipped back until he contacted the NHS stop smoking service and got support and advice.

He also found support on the web from other people trying to stop smoking, but decided to provide extra support by setting up his own internet forum.

Mr Leach launched the May We Be Free 2011 site to encourage other smokers who were trying to quit to give each other mutual support and encouragement when the going gets tough. So far almost 40 members have joined the forum and the page has had more than 2,100 Facebook hits over the last month.

“I’m really pleased with how the forum’s going,” Mr Leach said.

Anyone wanting to quit can contact the stop smoking service on 01274 202793 or contact their GP to find out about support.