My name is Denise. I’m a 48 year old senior social worker, mother of two adult children and nana to a 3 year old girl. I started smoking from birth! Both my parents smoked. Mum, Park Drive, Dad, a pipe.! This was 1965 and nealy every adult smoked without concern for passive smoking. So I suppose it was inevitable to some extent that I would become a smoker. I have smoked 20-25 cigarettes a day for over 33 years. I loved smoking!! The feel of the hand to mouth gesture, the draw, the feeling of calm. Quitting seemed impossible and I was terrified of weight gain. Over the last 5 years I have been stuck fully in the ‘contemplative’ area of the cycle of change. I have worried constantly about my health and the increasing cost of smoking. I became paranoid about the smell. I never tried to quit. My mum has quit twice with Champix and begun smoking again within a few weeks. Most people I know have had this experience or failed using NRT. I once tried a nicotine inhaler. It was without doubt one of the most hideous things I have ever tasted!! I despaired that I would die from my addiction. Then one day, 7 weeks ago, a curious and miraculous thing occurred! I tried an e cigarette out of curiosity only. I did not consider quitting my life long pleasure. It was a cheap disposable cig-a-like which was strange at first but kinda ok. I used it all day and smoked only two cigarettes!! I immediately stocked up on a weeks supply and within 5 days I quit smoking entirely!! I now have upgraded equipment and found the juices I like, mainly coconut and vanilla. I use 18mg nicotine and plan to start reducing this soon. My aim is to reduce to 0mg nicotine. I am very very proud of myself but really it’s been easy! I no longer smell disgusting, my senses are on overload, I can breathe better, no coughing or wheezing. I have more money to spend. I no longer feel guilt and I will probably live longer. I have an urge to exercise which is most unlike me! My GP has changed my ‘smoker’ status on my medical records to ‘ex smoker’. In 5 years I will be a ‘non smoker’!! Bring it on!! I have converted my husband, my parents and many friends successfully to e cigarettes over the past few weeks. My dad has an e pipe which he loves! I never intend to smoke another tobacco product again! I am amazed and truly grateful that I can say this! Thank you e cigarettes for giving me back my life!