Dominggus Damarjanan, 56, from Port Sunlight, Wirral, has finally quit smoking after almost 40 years, following a terrifying three-week battle with pneumonia that did not respond to antibiotics. He had tried to give up before but struggled to kick the habit. Now he is sharing his story as part of a new public health campaign urging smokers across Cheshire and Merseyside not to give up on giving up.
A Turning Point After Decades of Smoking
Dominggus first started smoking at the age of 17 while on holiday with friends. Although the others eventually stopped, he carried on, with his habit gradually increasing from a few cigarettes a day to between 15 and 20. Even when his husband, Ian, quit smoking, Dominggus found himself unable to do the same.
He said: "I started when I was 17, on a holiday with friends. We were all smoking, but then, when we came back, I was the only one who continued. At first, I had a few a day but later, I realised I was on 15 to 20 cigarettes a day. When Ian stopped, I tried to quit myself, but I couldn't do it."
'This Is the Time for Me to Stay Off Cigarettes Forever'
The moment that changed everything came when Dominggus developed a severe bout of pneumonia. For three weeks, he battled the illness, which did not respond to antibiotics. The infection left him suffering from significant chest pain and with no desire to smoke. Rather than returning to his old habit once he began to recover, he saw an opportunity to make a permanent change.
Dominggus said: "The thought of a cigarette was terrible. So I thought, this is the time for me to stay off the cigarettes forever." Since quitting, he has noticed a significant improvement in his fitness and breathing, allowing him to get more out of the activities he loves.
A keen singer, swimmer and cyclist, Dominggus said life without cigarettes has brought benefits he can feel every day. He added: "I feel much fitter now. I enjoy singing in my choir much more, and I like to swim, so it's good that my breathing has improved. I like to cycle too, and I've noticed I can cycle without being breathless. There are a lot of things in my life that have improved without the cigarettes. If you can't stop smoking for yourself, then stop for your loved ones."
Why the Campaign Is Urging Smokers to Try Again
The latest instalment of the Stop For Good campaign, launched on October 19, highlights the importance of quitting smoking for the people who matter most. New research commissioned by NHS Cheshire and Merseyside highlights how difficult quitting can be, and why it is important for smokers not to lose hope after previous attempts.
The research found that 39% of smokers had already tried to quit at least twice, while 26% said their loved ones were the main reason they wanted to stop. The campaign aims to encourage people to make another attempt, recognising that quitting can take more than one try.
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: "Our Stop For Good campaign isn't about placing blame or inducing guilt. It's designed to encourage people to have another go, even if they have tried once, twice, even 10 times before. Giving up can be challenging, but nobody needs to go it alone. There's a multitude of ways to access help and support, so it's important that people know what is out there. Dominggus' story shows that one unsuccessful attempt doesn't mean you won't succeed next time, and that the benefits of giving up can be felt in everyday life."
Professor Ian Ashworth, Director of Population Health for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, added: "Smoking is still the biggest single cause of preventable illness and early death in Cheshire and Merseyside, with 2 in 3 smokers dying too soon unless they quit. Hearing from people like Dominggus can give others hope that, however long you've had the habit, it's never too late to try again."
For further information about Stop For Good and support on how to quit, visit smokingendshere.com.
