A FORMER smoker from Cuddington claims that knitting has helped to beat her addiction to nicotine.

Bernadette Jeffries decided it was time to give up smoking after feeling unfit, being unable to taste her food and not having the energy to play with her grandchildren.

After visiting her GP, the 51-year-old discovered that she met the criteria for free advice and enrolled on a quit smoking programme with Brio Leisure’s Cheshire Change Hub.

And thanks to the support they have given her, she has now kicked the habit and has also found a new hobby to keep herself occupied.

“I had been smoking from the age of 17, but I was desperate to stop in order to improve my health and save money,” said mum of five and grandmother of 11 Bernadette.

“All the support has been fantastic, and I’ve learned that I don’t need cigarettes to deal with a stressful moment or bad news anymore.

“I’ve now taken up knitting, which keeps your hands busy so you don’t think about smoking as much, and I’ve made lots of blankets and babywear for my youngest grandchildren.”

Since giving up smoking, Bernadette has already noticed changes to her health and appearance as well as to her bank balance.

“My heart has stopped pounding, my skin is not yellow anymore, my taste has come back and I’m really looking forward to the future,” she continued.

“When I was smoking, I lacked the energy to do things with the children and grandchildren, but now my husband and I cannot wait to spend more time with them.

“Seeing all the money that would normally have been spent on cigarettes has been a big help and I’ve even bought new clothes and shoes.

“My husband and I have now set the goal of going abroad for the first time to enjoy the honeymoon we never had when we married 25 years ago.”

After referral to Cheshire Change Hub, smokers are introduced to a cessation practitioner who discusses the best ways to help them stop smoking.

Research shows that patients referred to Cheshire Change Hub are four times more likely to quit smoking than trying to stop on their own.

To find out more about the Hub, visit cheshirechangehub.org or call 0300 777 0033.