skiddy,
Listen to the good advice above. At the end of the day if you can't pass the Class 1 then forget it. I've got my Class 1 a couple of weeks before my first solo which I think was a good idea. At 25 it costs me £80 a year to keep it current which in the grand scheme of things isn't too bad for the peace of mind that I can pass it.
Your not too old thats for sure! At the end of the day there are loads of commercial pilots alot older than you who still have to pass it. Book yourself an appointment down at Gatwick then when you get it through the post its all systems go for a crack at the ATPL's. Good Luck <img src="wink.gif" border="0">
AF