Hi,
I've not managed to read a lot of the replies but here's what I've done / am doing...
I started flying when I was 16, at the time I was working for £3.36 an hour at Sainsburys. My parents refused to pay a penny, and they wouldnt even take me to the nearest airfield so I had to cycle the 12 miles. It took almost 4 years to get my PPL through completly self funding. After finnishing at school, I went on to do my A-levels and then a degree (again self funded). Whilst at college/University I was working full time to pay for the flying and the education. I have now got a graduate job and am saving every penny I can for flying. I did the hour building over my time at university and also worked at the local airfield getting to know a few pilots. I am now in the process of starting my ATPLs which I hope to have done within a year.
So, as a few other people have said, earn some money and take it step by step.
Once I have done my ATPL exams and hold a CPL licence I will consider taking a loan to help me get to at least instructor stage.
Good luck