I do not smoke, but even I know how hard it is to kick the habit.

Having grown up watching my Mum smoke at least pack a day, I can understand that quitting really is not as easy as it’s said.

It is very hard for me to get into her head and explain, that she slowly ruining her body. Even advising her that she may not live to see her Grandchildren grow up has failed; a harsh truth, but a truth nevertheless.

The reality is, that having smoked for nearly 40 years, I think she would miss it. Miss holding one, dragging on one, and thought of needing one and not having one at hand if required. I think she is scarred to quit more than anything else

‘What is the point in giving up something I don’t really want to. I’ve tried before. I just end up miserable, putting on weight. The patches give me nightmares, ‘ The amount of excuses not to quit smoking are almost as long as the reasons to try stopping.

However, In November 2013 she decided to try using e-cigarettes and has never looked back. Whilst I am sure they are not as good as completely stopping and we are yet to see the real effects of using them, they have been proven to be better for your health than smoking. They are a much cheaper option – With cigarettes now costing about £10 a pack, a heavy smoker can save hundreds of pounds per month. They also have a much better scent. Personally I could not recommend trying these enough and with suggestions from health ministers to start offering them on the NHS it must be worth trying to make the switch…..