Thanks Boomerrangben, I think I've had better advice from the people on this site in the last 2 days than in about 6 months of research !!!!!
Anyhow, very interesting and motivating to hear your particular story. You're right, the cash is a big advantage and I'm in a very strong position from that POV. I know I want to change career, badly, but there's a major gamble blowing the cash on heli or spending it on some other re-training. I'm unlikely to ever be able to replace that kind of money !!