I Want to Be Here for Them: Tiffany’s Quit Story

Tiffany, 54, has lived in Cardiff all her life and now calls Llanishen home. She works as a nursing assistant, supporting patients with routine health checks including blood tests, ECGs and diabetes care.

She started smoking at just 11 years old. Growing up in the 70s, she says, “it was the thing to do.” It felt social, grown-up, almost expected. Like many people, she never imagined it would become a lifelong habit.

But over time, things changed. By 14, smoking no longer felt social. It felt necessary. Cigarettes became tied to stress and everyday routines. “When I was stressed fag, coffee, fag.” Before she realised it, smoking was woven into her whole day. It wasn’t just something she did. It became part of daily life.

Understanding the Risks

As Tiffany grew older, smoking simply stayed with her. Through her twenties and into adulthood, it remained part of the background of her life – there in moments of stress, routine and habit.

Working in healthcare meant she understood what smoking can take from your health. She saw first hand the impact long term conditions can have. But like so many people, knowing the risks did not make quitting easy. She found herself caught in a powerful addiction. Over time, she began to feel a quiet tension between the care she gave others and the habit she was still trying to break herself.

Trying to Quit and Finding New Traps

In her early 40s, Tiffany began to feel that smoking was catching up with her. She noticed it in her breathing and energy, and she started to realise she could not ignore it forever. One moment stayed with her. “Climbing Pen Y Fan nearly finished me off. I honestly thought I was going to die.” She stopped for a couple of days afterwards, but like many people, it did not last.

Hoping for a way out, she swapped cigarettes for vaping, thinking it might help her quit. Instead, she developed what she describes as “a really bad chest, like awful,” and was later diagnosed with COPD, experiencing regular chest infections. After stopping vaping, she turned to nicotine replacement mints.

Then lockdown came. Like many people the disruption made old habits easier to slip back into. It started small. What began as “one or two with my neighbour” slowly became familiar again. Before she realised it, the routine had returned. “Before you know it I was back on it again.” “I knew it was making me bad. I wasn’t enjoying it. But I still kept doing it.”

The Moment Everything Changed

On Boxing Day last year, Tiffany became seriously unwell with norovirus, caught from her granddaughters. She now calls it “the best gift they could have given me.”

As she struggled to breathe, she could physically feel the impact smoking had had on her lungs.

“It felt like my lungs were trapped inside my ribs. Like everything had to squeeze through a thin hole. I could feel what smoking had done.”

That day, she smoked her last cigarette. “I puffed it, threw it away, and said enough was enough.” This time felt different.

“If I want to be here for 20 years at least, I need to stop now… right now.”

Quitting for Good, One Step at a Time

When cravings came back, Tiffany made a simple but powerful choice. “When the cravings came back I walked straight to the shop and bought Nicorette gum instead of cigarettes.”

Six weeks on, she is still smoke-free. This time, quitting has been about mindset as much as nicotine. She avoids triggers like alcohol and coffee, takes things step by step, and makes conscious decisions to protect her quit.

“I avoid my triggers now, alcohol, tea, coffee. I’ll have a cuppa and dunk three biscuits, and that’s enough.” Each day builds confidence.

Breathing Again and Getting Life Back

The benefits came quickly. “My breath used to come in two stages. Now I can breathe in and breathe out properly.”

Her sense of smell has returned. Food tastes better. The late-night urge for nicotine has gone. And financially, she says she has saved “a HELL of a lot of money.”

She knows there may always be moments that feel difficult. “I’ll always be a recovering nicotine addict. It was a big part of my life.”

But her motivation is clear. Tiffany has five sons and four granddaughters, and they are incredibly proud of her. “They’re going to grow up, get married, have children. I want to be here for that.”

At 54, she felt smoking was starting to take years from her life. Now, she feels like she is gaining that time back. Her message to others is simple:

“It’s never too late to quit. Smoking was taking years off me. Quitting is giving me time back.”

Help Me Quit

If you’re thinking about quitting, free NHS support is available through Help Me Quit Wales. You’re up to three times more likely to quit with support than going it alone.

Call 0800 085 2219
Text HMQ to 80818
Visit helpmequit.wales

Taking that first step could give you more time, more breath and more life with the people you love.

The Day 200 Cigarettes Changed Everything: John and Tina’s Quit Story

John Weatherbed from Newport was just 14 years old when he smoked his first cigarette. Like many people of his generation, smoking quickly became part of everyday life. It wasn’t something unusual. It was normal.

Over the years, that early experiment turned into a heavy addiction. At his peak, John was smoking up to 60 cigarettes a day.

“For years, smoking was just what I did,” John says. “It was there in the background of everything.”

Tina’s journey began a little later. She was 18 when she took up smoking, and her reason might sound familiar to many.

“I realised that the people I worked with who smoked got more breaks than I did,” Tina says. “So I joined them.”

What started as a way to fit in soon became routine. Cigarettes shaped their days, their habits, and their finances for decades.

Then came the moment that changed everything.

A Wake-Up Call After a Family Celebration

Twelve years ago, John and Tina attended their grandchild’s christening. It was a joyful day surrounded by family. The following day, they reflected on how much they had smoked.

Between them, they had gone through around 200 cigarettes in just one day.

It was a stark realisation.

“That was it for me,” John says. “I looked at what we’d done and thought, this can’t carry on.”

The day after the christening, John made the decision to quit.

Life After Smoking

Since quitting, John says his life has completely transformed.

“My breathing is so much better and I’m doing things now I’d never have done before. I’m even signed up for the Snowdonia Marathon this autumn!”

At 66, John now volunteers at Tredegar House Parkrun, giving back to his community and supporting others to get active. Training for the Snowdonia Marathon Eryri 2025 is something he never imagined possible during his years as a heavy smoker.

Quitting did not just improve his lung function. It changed how he sees himself.

Smoking once limited what he believed he could do.

Now, he is setting himself challenges that push those limits further than ever before.

Tina’s Next Chapter

Tina has also moved forward. She is now a volunteer Run Director for Junior Parkrun at Tredegar House, helping children build confidence and enjoy being active.

She has stopped smoking cigarettes and is gradually reducing her nicotine use.

“I’m still using vapes, but I’m cutting down my nicotine all the time,” she says. “I’m determined to get there.”

For Tina, quitting smoking opened doors beyond health alone.

“Since we stopped spending all that money on cigarettes, we’ve been on amazing holidays and trips. We’ve been to places and seen things we never would have before.”

The money that once disappeared into cigarette packets now goes towards experiences, travel, and memories.

More Than Just Quitting

For John and Tina, stopping smoking was not just about giving something up. It was about gaining something back.

More breath.
More energy.
More freedom.
More life.

Their story is proof that it is never too late to quit, and that the benefits can stretch far beyond what you expect.

Whether it is running a marathon, volunteering in your community, travelling to new places, or simply breathing easier each day, change is possible.

If you are thinking about quitting, support is available. You do not have to do it alone.

Free NHS support is available from Help Me Quit Wales.

Freephone 0800 085 2219
Text HMQ to 80818
Visit helpmequit.wales

Senedd Vote Moves Wales Closer to a Smokefree Generation

The Senedd has voted to support the Legislative Consent Motion for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, marking a major moment in Wales’ efforts to create protect future generations from the harms caused by tobacco.

This decision follows years of committed work by charities, health bodies, researchers and community groups across Wales. ASH Wales has proudly led much of this work for five decades, advocating for stronger measures to reduce smoking and improve health for communities across the country.

School children from Llanyrafon Primary School joined Members of the Senedd and members of the Wales Tobacco Control Alliance at the Senedd to celebrate the vote and gather pledges backing their shared vision of a Smokefree Generation.

Once the Bill completes its progress through the UK Parliament, it can be implemented in full in Wales.

A milestone for public health

Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Isabel Oliver, said: 

“Tobacco addiction kills thousands in Wales every year and continues to drive deep inequalities in health. This Bill offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to break that cycle and protect future generations from a product that has caused immeasurable harm.”

The Bill raises the age of sale for tobacco year by year so that anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never be legally sold tobacco. Its aim is simple: stop addiction taking hold in the first place.

It also introduces measures to reduce youth vaping through restrictions on child-focused flavours, packaging and branding. The Bill expands rules on advertising and promotion, closes gaps in regulation for all nicotine products and prevents free vapes being handed to under-18s.

The enforcement framework will be strengthened through £200 Fixed Penalty Notices for underage sales, and new powers for Welsh Ministers to introduce retailer licensing, expand smokefree public spaces, ban vape vending machines and set tighter rules for advertising and product design.

Leadership from Wales

Chief Executive of ASH Wales, Suzanne Cass, said: “

This is an historic day for Wales. It represents half a century of work by ASH Wales and years of coordinated campaigning from organisations across the country.

“Welsh Government has already shown leadership, from smokefree playgrounds to smokefree hospitals, and once again they have listened to the people of Wales and acted to protect children from the world’s deadliest legal consumer product.”

“With Scotland, Northern Ireland and England already progressing, today’s decision ensures Wales is not left behind at a critical moment for tobacco control.”

“Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in Wales, with the greatest burden falling on our most deprived communities.  This vote marks one of the most significant public health reforms in a generation, signaling a clear commitment to reducing cancer, tackling inequality and protecting young people long into the future.

“Tobacco addiction still has a firm grip on our communities with more than 320,000 adults in Wales still smoking, we need to ensure we also strengthening support to help people quit so that no community is left behind.”

Voting result

The Legislative Consent Motion was approved with 36 votes in favour, 2 abstentions and 9 against.

Wales Tobacco Control Alliance urges Senedd Members to support Tobacco and Vapes Bill

The Wales Tobacco Control Alliance is calling on Members of the Senedd to back the Legislative Consent Motion for the Tobacco and Vapes Bill – a decision that will shape the future of public health in Wales.

The Alliance, which brings together organisations working to reduce smoking and protect children from nicotine addiction, has written to every Senedd Member ahead of the vote on 9th December. The letter sets out why the Bill matters for Wales and how it aligns with the country’s ambition for a Smokefree Generation.

Why the Tobacco and Vapes Bill matters for Wales

The Bill introduces measures designed to reduce smoking rates, lower cancer risk, and protect children from nicotine addiction. While it forms part of UK-wide action, supporting the Legislative Consent Motion ensures Wales remains aligned with wider regulation and maintains strong public health protections.

The Alliance highlights the need to limit access to vapes for children, reduce youth-targeted promotion and strengthen enforcement against illegal sales. Public support for these steps is high, reflecting growing concern about youth vaping and the ongoing harms caused by tobacco.

“St David’s Day 2025 / Dydd Gŵyl Dewi 2025” by Senedd Cymru / Welsh Parliament, CC BY 2.0

Backing the Bill would move Wales closer to its ambition of becoming smokefree, reduce health inequality, and reinforce a national commitment to evidence-led public health policy.

Statement from ASH Wales Chief Executive Suzanne Cass

Speaking ahead of the vote, Suzanne Cass, Chief Executive of ASH Wales, said:

“The vote in a fortnight is an opportunity for Wales to move in step with the rest of the UK on one of the most significant public health reforms in a generation. The measures proposed have strong evidence behind them and will reduce cancer, address health inequality, and help protect young people from lifelong addiction.”

She added:

“Today the WTCA has set out to Senedd Members why their vote is so important, and the meaningful impact it can have on the health of people in Wales.”

Next Steps

A positive vote on 9th December would confirm Welsh support for measures to reduce smoking rates, limit youth vaping, and give future generations the best chance of growing up free from tobacco addiction. The WTCA has emphasised that this is a rare opportunity for cross-party progress on an issue with strong public backing.

The vote on the Legislative Consent Motion will take place on 9th December.

“Feature Image” by Senedd Cymru / Welsh Parliament, CC BY 2.0

Public Backs Smokefree Generation as Wales Risks Falling Behind

New findings from ASH Wales’ Annual Adult Population Survey 2025 show strong public support for tougher tobacco laws and clear backing for the Smokefree Generation in Wales. But with no current Tobacco Control Delivery Plan in place, progress towards a smokefree Wales by 2030 has stalled.

Our 2025 YouGov Survey

The Annual Adult Population Survey 2025, carried out by YouGov, reveals that the Welsh public are firmly behind stronger action on tobacco. The results are striking:

  • 43% believe governments aren’t doing enough to tackle smoking.
  • 65% of people support the Smokefree Generation law, which would end tobacco sales to anyone born after 2009.
  • 87% want to see tobacco retailers licensed, with licences removed if shops sell to children.
  • 78% support banning cartoon-style branding and sweet flavours in vapes to reduce youth appeal.

Misinformation on vaping is growing

While public backing for stronger tobacco laws is high, confusion around vaping continues to rise. Nearly six in ten Welsh adults (58%) now believe vaping is as harmful as smoking, including 57% of smokers. In 2017, that figure was just 14%.

The forthcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to tighten regulation of vapes while still recognising their role in helping people quit smoking. Striking that balance is vital if we’re to save lives and prevent new harms.

A call for leadership and action

As our Chief Executive, Suzanne Cass, puts it:

“This is not just about laws – it’s about lives. Every month without action means more families suffering from preventable illness and loss. The public is with us, and Wales must now act boldly.” 

We’re urging the Welsh Government to approve the Tobacco and Vapes Bill without delay, backed by proper funding, enforcement, and accountability. But laws alone aren’t enough. Wales urgently needs a new Tobacco Control Delivery Plan to re-energise progress and tackle the inequalities that fuel smoking rates.

Smoking hits the poorest hardest

The survey once again highlights how smoking deepens inequality in Wales:

  • 30% of people living in social housing smoke, compared with just 8% of homeowners.
  • Smoking is far more common among people facing overlapping challenges such as poor mental health, high-risk drinking, or frequent gambling.

These are the communities carrying the greatest burden of smoking-related illness and death. Without focused support, the 2030 target will remain out of reach.

Wales can’t afford to wait

Wales has been without a Tobacco Control Delivery Plan since the end of 2024, leaving a gap in our roadmap to a smokefree 2030. Meanwhile, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill continues to move through Parliament and is now at the committee stage. Once amendments are finalised, the Welsh Government must be ready to act swiftly so Wales keeps pace with the rest of the UK.

The evidence is clear: the public supports tougher action, and the time to act is now. Wales must not be left behind on the journey to a Smokefree Generation.

New Support for Parents Concerned About Vaping, Smoking or Nicotine Use

Parents and carers across Wales are facing new challenges when it comes to nicotine. Whether it’s disposable vapes, nicotine pouches, or social media trends that glamorise use, it’s no longer just about cigarettes.

At ASH Wales, we’ve listened to parents and communities who told us they feel overwhelmed by the pace of change. That’s why we’ve created Nico-Teens, a free, easy-to-use support hub designed to help parents navigate this new landscape with confidence.

Why This Matters Now?

According to our 2025 Trends in Awareness and Usage of Nicotine Products report, use of e-cigarettes among 18–24-year-olds in Wales has risen from just 3% in 2014 to 16% in 2025. Awareness of nicotine pouches in this age group has also soared from 47% in 2020 to 79% in 2025, with 1 in 10 young adults now using them.

This mirrors what we’re seeing in younger age groups, too. In our 2024 Youth Vaping Survey, which reached over 12,000 pupils in secondary schools across Wales, we found that:

  • Nearly 1 in 4 pupils in Years 7–11 had tried vaping
  • 7% of pupils in this age group were current vapers
  • 45% of those who vape said they couldn’t go the whole school day without it
  • Over half (55%) were using vapes likely to be illegal or untested

These figures show the scale of the issue, but also how many young people may now be living with nicotine dependence.

Support Parents Need

Many parents are feeling unprepared when faced with new products like pouches, heat-not-burn or refillable kits. Unsure how to start conversations, how to spot the signs, or how to respond calmly if they found something worrying.

This new section of our website is full of easy-to-read advice. Covering:

  • How to talk to younger children about nicotine in a calm, age-appropriate way
  • How to support a teenager who’s using nicotine or struggling to stop
  • What to do if you vape or smoke yourself
  • How to tell if a product is illegal, and what to do if you’re concerned
  • What to expect from withdrawal, and tips to manage it
  • What happens if your child gets caught using nicotine in school

A Trusted, Free Resource for Families in Wales

This resource is completely free and available to anyone. If you’re a teacher, youth worker, school nurse or family support officer, you are welcome to share the link with families you work with.

The page is updated regularly and complements wider support available through Help Me Quit Wales, who offer free stop smoking support for young people aged 12 and up. Visit the Nico-Teens resource page here