THREE friends have tackled their smoking addiction during lockdown – by spending their time growing fresh produce at Clydebank’s allotments.

Joe Brady was the first to call NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Quit Your Way service, followed by friends Ian Lennox and Gary Doherty.

The trio have spent lockdown at their local allotments where they grow potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables.

Ian had tried to cut back and quit several times over the last 40 years, he said Quit Your Way and being able to support each other at the allotments has been the key to his success.

Gary, who had been a smoker for 30 years, said: “I thought with lockdown it could go either way but I dug my heels in and decided I’m not giving up. Being able to speak to someone once a week was a real lift.

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“It’s given me a new lease of life. If I can do it - after smoking 20 cigarettes a day - then anyone can do it. I’ve had support from my kids too. After not spending 60 quid a week on cigarettes, I hope we can go on a nice holiday after this.”

Joe added: “The service was excellent – they really want to help you as much as they can. Fortunately with lockdown we’ve been allowed to go to our allotments every day and keep our distance.”

The men are among over 800 people from across the Greater Glasgow and Clyde region who have used ‘Quit Your Way’, to tackle their smoking addiction during lockdown.