Dear Griff,
Well done for deciding to quit! Determinator, who started this thread, has the correct name!!! Determination is what is needed first and foremost. You need to really want to quit more than you want to smoke. The Nicodemon will come at you and try to get you back to smoking, but you need to have the determination to fight him and to win the battles.
Nicotine gum is only one of many things you can use to help you win...Personally, I used anything I thought could help me, and many of them all at once! Anyway, after 40 years of smoking, I am smoke-free and have been for 9+ years. The thing, which helped me most was this site. There is a massive amount of information here that can help you. Take time to do the programme, and read as much as you can and post to us. We are here to help.
Now it won't be easy, but it can be done. As far as the e-cig is concerned, I think the jury is still out on this one. People cannot decide if it is a good thing or not. It sounds like an easy fix for quitting....nothing beats determination! and there is no easy fix. Read and learn, post and learn...stay close to us here and we will help you. Take one day at a time and remain positive.
Whatever it takes, just don't smoke!
Love Lolly.