Hey buddy just wanted to say good luck as I'm from down Horsham way aswell. I definately agree with the advice you've been given although the industry isnt exactly in great shape at the the mo, if youre planning on taking a few years you might just come out at the right time. I was lucky and started and got sponsored to learn to glide when I was 17 and comleted my PPL in florida shortly after. As far as funding goes I was tight on that aswell I managed to save alot of money by going modular with Oxford and doing the groundschool distance learning while working at Tesco's in Broadbridge Heath haha.
Im damn glad I went for it as I even got to live in Malaysia for my first job which was an experience at the wise old age of 20
.
Im currently flying the 757/767 and get to go to quite a few nice places and even get to stay there a few days.
Good luck anyways buddy!