Rob, first off I'm ex mil so I've not gone down this route. If your parents are going to fund you I would suggest that you all sit down and really look at the costs. Cheaper options could be learning to fly abroad.
On top of the flying hours you will have the cost of the academic subjects and exams. Throw an Instrument rating on top of that and you will see the prices going through the roof.
Other options are sponsorships through some of the bigger companies.
At the moment we do seem to have a shortage of heli pilots, but it seems your chances of working anywhere other than the rigs (or hours building by instructing) would be pretty slim as most employers are looking for Pilots with 1500hrs pic. However I'm sure that others on here who have gone or are going down the same route as you will soon be along to give you slightly more accurate info.
Good luck