Thanks
Thanks guys for all the advice.
I'd already started looking into getting bank loans, mainly with HSBC but I'd prefer not to for the obvious reasons! I know that some companies/airlines offer scholarships for fixed wing aircraft, and work contracts on completion, so my other question would be does this sort of thing actually exist within the world of helicopters?!
As for my medical, I've not got a class 1 as yet but I've had both my doctors and opticians confirm in writing that I can pass the requirements as stated on the CAA web site.
Again, thanks for the advice so far.