A SMOKER who gave up after 45 years is calling on the people of Swindon to get behind national No Smoking Day.

Peter Holohan, 61, from Stratton St Margaret, has not smoked for a year after deciding to give up last March. Peter, who works as a neighbourhood housing services manager for Swindon Borough Council, stopped his 20-a-day habit when it started affecting his health.

He started experiencing circulation problems in his legs and needed an operation.

Peter said: “It was only a health scare that really stopped me, but I realised that this was the wake-up call I needed and wish I had given up years ago now because I feel so much better.

“In the hospital I saw lots of other less fortunate patients who were having amputations, often as a result of smoking-related conditions.

“I realised that would be the way I was going too if I didn’t do something about it, and my doctor advised me to quit.

“That decided things for me and I set my mind to it. I knew I would need some professional help to make it happen because, there’s no doubt about it, I was totally hooked.”

No Smoking Day is Wednesday, March 11.

Peter is encouraging those considering quitting to contact Swindon Stop Smoking Service for free advice – like he did.

He said: “I’m chuffed to bits and my family are really proud too. I feel so much better both in myself and really don’t miss it now.

“I’ll sit quite happily inside when my friends go out to smoke. People at work can’t believe it because I was such a die-hard smoker before, but now I’m supporting other colleagues who also want to give up.

“The advice I always give is ‘never quit trying to quit’, because if I can anyone can.”

After giving up, the father of four, who is married to Diane, saves around £100 a month from not buying cigarettes.

Swindon Stop Smoking Service, overseen by healthcare group SEQOL, offers one-to-one support to anyone who wants to give up.

For more about the day visit www.nosmokingday.org.uk, and to contact Swindon Stop Smoking service call 01793 465513 or email besmokefree@seqol.org.