After a few years of "thinking about it", I have finally decided and have been convinced by loved ones to give up the smokes. The reasons are fairly obvious with health, finance and social acceptability being amongst the top players.

The mission has already begun, with my last cigarette (or fag, to cater for the humour in the Boston office) being at approx 9.15am on Thursday 7th December 2006. It wasn't a planned 'quit attempt' in the sense of exact timings, but more a case of me finishing a packet and deciding not to buy another one.

At time of writing, it has been six days and it appears that the cravings have actually stopped! The most painful period was Saturday night when I went to my local comedy club. As expected, these kind of events are held in smoke-filled rooms and everyone within touching distance from me was with cigarette. I was very close to abandoning the mission on several occasions that night, but luckily there was a plentiful supply of red wine to keep my hands busy (and render my mind utterly useless). I feel that this experience, or torture to be more precise, has been key to the mission. Having got through that night, I am confident that I can get through any craving.

In addition to this mission, I have also taken up running and have had five 20-30 minute outings in the last six days. So far, no medical assistance has been required and I am really enjoying it.

Anyhoo, I thought that I would build a fundraising page as I have never actually raised funds through one despite me working here for three and a half years!!!!

I am not expecting to raise a lot of money as it's coming up to Christmas and most people need to fund their own vices. Even a £2 donation would be muchly appreciated.

 

Cheers

Ben