A BLACKBURN woman who sought help to give up smoking found the service turned her life around.

Dianne Blackmore said after accessing the smoking cessation clinic at Geloo Pharmacy in Wellington Street, she found it became about more than just getting help to stop smoking but also getting help to improve her general wellbeing.

Dianne started attending the pharmacy in September and, working with Val Bottomley, stop smoking adviser and healthy living champion, was able to get support and advice to stop smoking but also have someone to talk to about other problems she was experiencing.

So grateful was Dianne for all the help she received she wrote a glowing letter of thanks.

She said: “Val is an asset to the pharmacy and Blackburn with Darwen’s stop smoking service.

“She has supported me throughout. Since seeing Val I have not only stopped smoking but have found a chance at being happy on a regular basis.

“I have found that although many professionals offer advice etc, the ‘textbook’ approach does not work.

“It is Val’s common sense combined with life experience that makes her so good at her job, plus the fact that she personally seems to care about the individual’s welfare.”

The Stop Smoking Service came under Blackburn with Darwen Council control in April last year.

Coun Mohammed Khan, executive member for health and adult social care, said: “This is a really heart-warming story and I am delighted that our stop smoking service is helping people in this way.”