‘After 35 years, I have finally quit smoking for good’

Colette Cotterell, a full-time health-care receptionist, has been trying to give up smoking for 35 years. The habit proved hard to kick, so she signed up for the Boots #StopForGood programme to finally call it quits.

Over a 12-week period, Colette had one-to-one sessions with a Boots #StopForGood advisor to keep her on track with progress. She was rewarded her for meeting her goals with products, money-off vouchers and even an in-store makeover or skincare consultation. Colette has been writing a diary about her progress on the Boots programme with the aim of inspiring others, like her, to stop smoking for good. Here, she tells us how she got on.

“Dear Diary,

“The day has finally come, I have officially completed the 12 week Stop for Good Programme with Boots, and I can proudly say that I have kicked my smoking habit to the curb. I am now a non-smoker, and this is something I never thought I would be able to say.

“What a journey it’s been! The past twelve weeks have been filled with tears, joy, anticipation and a lot of hard work. This programme has fully exceeded my expectations. I must admit, it has been quite tough at times, but nobody said it was going to be easy. It was a challenge, and this should not be underestimated, but the Boots Stop for Good programme genuinely made it a whole lot easier. Having tried to quit smoking many times in the past, I know that I would have never been able to accomplish what I have accomplished without the support I received throughout the programme.

“I owe a lot of my success to my Boots Stop for Good Advisor, Rob. My sessions with Rob were really eye-opening, educating me on the harmful effects of smoking, especially those that you don’t hear about day to day. It is so easy to push the consequences of smoking to the back of your head in denial, however, Rob reminded me of these consequences at each meeting, motivating me to continue the journey.

“One of my favourite parts of the last twelve weeks, and something I really looked forward to are the little treats I would receive from Boots after each session. Each gift was a great little pick me up after a challenging day or week, really helping me to keep on track. My favourite gift being the No7 makeover on week twelve. What a high to finish the programme on, looking and feeling great with some lovely products to take home with me. I had €35 to spend on any No7 products I wanted! The makeover gave me the perfect chance to try out some products before deciding what I wanted.

“I have been a committed smoker for 35 years and after numerous attempts, I have finally quit smoking for good and I’m feeling great as a result. This is a huge achievement and I am so proud of myself.

“For anyone thinking of giving up smoking, all I can say is, if I can do it with the help of the Stop for Good Programme, then so can you. Stop thinking about it and get going! Sign up, get a plan in place, avail of the great support service and you can be where I am in just twelve weeks. You won’t regret it I promise!

“That’s it from me – wishing you all the best of luck on your own Stop for Good journey – Colette”

Speaking about the programme Caoimhe McCauley, Boots’ Director of Pharmacy said, “we understand that stopping smoking isn’t easy and that’s why we’ve created the Stop For Good Rewards programme, to give those who want to quit the very best chance at succeeding. The new addition of rewards in the programme is designed to ensure participants continue feeling positive about their efforts while encouraging them to stop smoking for the long term.”

Are you ready to give up smoking for good? Click here for more information and to book your life-changing appointment.