A Merseyside grandmother who lost multiple family members to smoking-related illness is sharing her story this No Smoking Day (11 March), as landmark legislation to create the first smokefree generation reaches its final stage in Parliament.
Jeanette Simm, from Bootle, started smoking at just 13 years old and continued with the habit for 46 years, smoking up to 20 cigarettes a day.
During that time, she watched several family members die from smoking related illnesses, including her father who sadly died from emphysema and two brothers lost to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She is now caring for her older brother who is also in final stages of COPD – again caused by his smoking.
Having quit smoking in November 2025, Jeanette is one of 8,200 people from across Cheshire & Merseyside who have used local stop smoking services to successfully give up in the past 12 months.
Jeanette, who had previously tried multiple times to stop smoking, said:
“I was one of seven – there’s only three of us left now. Seeing my brother wheezing and struggling made me realise that this time, I’ve really got to do something to stop.
“Smoking wasn’t just a habit. It was something I relied on, especially during difficult times.”
With support from a local stop smoking adviser and a free quit smoking app, Jeanette finally quit for good last year. Now three months smokefree, she has already noticed major changes.
Jeanette, 59, said:
“I’m nearly 60 years old and I’ve smoked for all my adult life. But now, I feel better, I breathe easier, and I’ve got more money in my pocket.”
She was spending more than £500 a month on cigarettes, an amount comparable to a mortgage payment. Since quitting, she has been able to keep that money instead, giving her greater financial security and peace of mind.
“If I can do it after 46 years, anyone can. It’s never too late.”
Today, No Smoking Day (11 March), coincides with the Government’s landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill approaching its final stage in the House of Lords. If passed, the legislation will phase out tobacco sales entirely, by making it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. This means the age limit will gradually rise each year, helping to create the first smokefree generation.
Public health leaders in Cheshire and Merseyside say Jeanette’s experience shows why support must go hand-in-hand with legislation and urge smokers to use No Smoking Day as a fresh opportunity to quit and to access the free support available in their area.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Health, said:
“Jeanette’s story is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact smoking can have, not just on individuals, but on entire families.
“No Smoking Day is the perfect time to quit smoking when thousands of other people are stopping too. Even if you’ve tried before and didn’t manage don’t give up on quitting because you can do it. Like Jeanette, many smokers try several times before they succeed.”
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:
“No Smoking Day is the perfect opportunity for people to take that first step towards quitting. We know that people are far more likely to succeed with the right support, and local stop smoking services offer free, expert help that can make all the difference.”
Professor Ian Ashworth, Director of Population Health for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said:
“The Tobacco and Vapes Bill gives us a real chance to change the future, so that today’s children grow up in a world where becoming a smoker simply isn’t the norm.
“With the legislation in its final stages, we can protect the next generation from the harms of tobacco. At the same time, we must make sure those who smoke today are given the support they need to quit for good.”
For support, advice and free tools to quit smoking from Knowsley Stop Smoking Service call 0151 426 7462, text quit to 61825 (normal network charge) or visit the website: www.smokefreeknowsley.org.uk