Mum-of-two Michelle Parsons has given up smoking after almost 26 years of partaking in the habit.

The Gillingham resident is writing a diary highlighting the ups and downs of her battle to quit.

In the first instalment she spoke about her first day as a non-smoker and her determination to get fit now that she is no longer smoking.

Here, Michelle talks about her first days back at work and the cravings she has been experiencing.

Day three

First day back at work as a non-smoker. I struggled when I got my latte at en-route, as I would normally have had a cigarette with this. I did not change my routine as I would have felt miserable, so bought sugarfree gum instead. I seem to be getting through a lot of this and my jaw is actually aching. My main smoking friend at work is on annual leave this week which will make it slightly easier, although I do look out onto the designated smoking area whereby everyone has been waving up at me wondering why I’m not down there too. Today’s thought - I do not smell like an ashtray.

Day four

I set my alarm clock 10 minutes later today as I do not smoke anymore. Smoking can be somewhat time consuming. Another ridiculously busy day at work, whereby I wasn’t sure if I was coming, going or already gone. Another friend at work has also stopped smoking which is fantastic so we were supporting each other throughout the day. Today’s thought - I’ve already saved £12.60.

Day five

It’s still a little odd drinking coffee first thing in the morning instead of tea, but not quite so odd now I’m on day five. After another busy day at work, I left the office suddenly feeling like I had nothing to look forward to, which is downright silly. I felt I couldn’t even have a glass of wine as it might have made me want to smoke a hundred cigarettes. After much debate I stopped at the shop and bought my favourite wine and had one glass with dinner. I could go so far to say it may have been the best glass of wine I’d ever had, but then that would be over exaggerating. Perhaps it just tastes much better now that I don’t smoke, I know food is tasting better now. Today’s thought - I really don’t want to be a smoker again.