Kev,
I can relate to your story, not quite as long as you though. Just had to retake all my exams as they ran out, spent last year trying to get a test in while trying to keep current in the good old British weather ! Now i have my FRTOL and medical so as soon as i can get the weather and a lesson together its back to getting up to speed for a test, had it cancelled atleast 10 times last year, which ment a lot of currency flights and money !
My choice though, i could have done the USA thing in 06 and come back for some UK training but i didn't give the weather enough respect, ahwell, it will probably be a 90hr PPL instead of the 50 hr i was told to get ready for my test at.
All the best and keep your chin up.
Nick.