A dad and his daughter are hoping they can inspire smokers to kick the habit for good as part of a new campaign from NHS and public health leaders across Cheshire and Merseyside.
Shaun Webb, from Northwich, is telling how he gave up a 60-a-day smoking habit, inspired by his daughter Holly’s upcoming wedding and his determination to stand proudly by her side.
The 62-year-old is hoping to inspire others to kick the habit with a simple message:
Give it another go. You won’t miss smoking as much as you’ll miss those special moments.”
Shaun had his first cigarette at just eight years old and, later, went on to develop lung cancer in 2024.
Father-of-four Shaun said:
Being told I had cancer was something I never thought would happen – you hear about people being diagnosed but never think it will be you. My first thought was that I was a failure as I felt that I had caused this myself through decades of heavy smoking – I’d let everyone down and could not bear the thought of not being by my daughter Holly’s side on her wedding day.
“As a dad, it’s your job to walk your daughter down the aisle and give her away, and I was determined that I would not miss that moment.
“I was put in touch with an incredible nurse, Jo, without whom I wouldn’t be here today. She sat me down and asked me why I wanted to quit and what my triggers to smoke were and, with a lot of hard work, I managed to stop.
“Before going in for surgery to remove the cancer, my daughters said, ‘Please don’t go anywhere, Dad.’ I kept that promise – being there for Holly’s wedding and now awaiting the arrival of my eldest daughter’s first baby, due any day.”
Shaun added:
I tried to quit many times over the years but never succeeded. At the peak I was smoking 60 cigarettes a day and was trapped in an addiction which controlled my life. My diagnosis was the turning point – it made me realise the impact it could have on the people I love most, though it should never have come to that.”
Among those championing Shaun to quit was his daughter Holly, who was busy planning her wedding when he received his devastating diagnosis.
Recalling her wedding day with her dad by her side, Holly said:
“He was beaming with pride the entire time and we’re all hugely proud of him for what he’s achieved. I feel incredibly lucky that he was there with me on the biggest day of my life and I’m just so thankful that we were able to create that memory together.”
Shaun’s story comes as NHS Cheshire and Merseyside launches its powerful ‘What Will You Miss?’ campaign, highlighting the milestone life events smokers could miss out on if they continue to smoke, such as a child’s wedding and meeting grandchildren.
According to campaign research 50% of smokers living in Cheshire and Merseyside say they “really want to quit”, with a further 21% saying that they know they should.
The findings also showed how more than two-thirds (64%) have tried to quit before, with 39% having tried to give up more than once, and 13% at least four times.
Dr Sarah McNulty, Director of Public Health for Knowsley and Lead Director of Public Health for Cheshire and Merseyside’s All Together Smokefree programme, said:
“The ‘What Will You Miss?’ campaign is about helping people recognise just how much they stand to gain by quitting.
“For many smokers, it’s not the facts and figures that make the difference but rather thinking about the moments they don’t want to lose.
“Behind every attempt to quit smoking is a powerful personal reason, and we want people to know they don’t have to face that challenge alone.”
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Health, said:
Even if you’ve tried before and didn’t manage to quit, don’t give up. You can do it.
“Shaun is quite literally living proof that taking that step towards being smoke-free can massively improve your life and give you a better chance at being around for your loved ones – it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve tried, it’s worth trying again.
“Smokers are three times more likely to succeed in quitting with help from a trained professional than with willpower alone. Contact Smokefree Knowsley for free, specialist support and advice to help you on your journey to stop smoking.”
In Knowsley, you have access to free, specialist support through the Knowsley Stop Smoking Service. Whether you need advice on nicotine replacement or just someone to help you stay on track, our local experts are ready to support you.
You can access free support from Smokefree Knowsley by calling 0151 426 7462, texting quit to 61825 (normal network charge) or visiting the website: www.smokefreeknowsley.org.uk
You can visit The Smoking Ends Here website for free advice, information, and details of local services available across the region.