We have a plastic free shop on our high street which is all responsibly sourced. It is fantastic. Lots of localish suppliers with great products. Also the staff are wonderful.

Small independent shops are not always what they say they are.
Ask questions regarding their supplies.
A while ago I tried a local independent butcher who no longer trades.
I had a chat with him regarding his meat sources. They were from a large meat supplier. So much for being local.

I still have a cough, some days are worse than others and sometimes I get out of breath but I feel healthy. I'm giving myself the best chance of seeing my family grow. I look forward to every day and appreciate every moment.

I have been told I should remain stable into old age. Due to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, I eat a mixed diet, drink occasionally and stay active. Admittedly it does help that my job means I walk over 20,000 steps a day. Also and most importantly I avoid smokey environments.

When I got diagnosed with COPD it scared the hell out of me. I'm on a regular daily steroid inhaler and with the help of my lung nurse I know my condition is under control.

I'm in the UK. I had help from my Dr and the love of a non smoking other half which really helped. The first month was not easy but after that I noticed how much better my breathing was. The turning point was when I ran for a bus and didn't get out of breath. After that it was quite easy.

Thank you for all of the interactions, reposts and likes. I was really not expecting it.

Just in case it helps, a little background info.

I was in my mid 30s when I finally quit. I had smoked and worked in bars for 18 years by that point.

My last cigarette was 5th Nov 2005 so almost 20 years for me. Diagnosed COPD 14 years ago. Thank god I quit when I did. I still feel healthier now than I did 20 years ago.