Reporter Mike Ribbeck continues life without the weed

WELL, it is exactly a month since I gave up the cigarettes and I never thought I would get this far.

I am sure the worst is over but I would be a liar if I didn't admit I still get cravings for a cigarette, it is a feeling that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.

But things must be improving because I went out on Saturday night and the lack of cigarettes didn't ruin my evening.

Even though I was in a packed place where just about everyone seemed to have a fag in their hand I managed to survive the night fairly comfortably.

One thing is for certain, people still seem to be me willing me to quit and the letters of encouragement are still arriving. Joanne Dixon of Accrington has written to say her daughter gave up in the New Year and she is very proud of her.

Debbie Roberts and her daughters from Darwen have dropped a line to say how proud they are of Paul Roberts for quitting.

Mrs M P Curran from Accrington has written from Hapton to ask if her daughter-in-law Andrea, who packed in the cigarettes on New Year's Eve, could also get a mention.

And finally, closer to home, Andrea Muldoon, the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's reporter in Darwen, shocked the office when she announced she had stopped smoking two weeks ago.

My list of fellow quitters also includes: N Thompson and M Wiggans, Blackburn, Jane Benn, Rishton, Mr Billington, Accrington, Deborah Heyes, Jane Billington and Allison McIntyre.

Remember, if you want to publicly announce your intention to quit write to Michael Ribbeck at the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, Newspaper House, High Street, Blackburn, BB1 1HT or e-mail

mribbeck@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.