But is it really a fear of flying?
Ajax,
Is your fear one of not understanding, rather than one of flying?
"Even the thought of trying my hand at a flight sim scares me"
So start simply. Select a single engined aircraft, fly it with the instruments switched off. There is no down side to getting it wrong on a PC Sim at home.
Most PC Sims also have a "reduced view" which just shows you the basic instruments - start to use that maybe.
Let us know how the gliding and the PC Sim goes. I fly out of Peterborough, (listed as your home city) and you're more than welcome to sit in an aircraft, on the ground, and get an idea of what pilots look at, and what for, without any pressure to come flying. We can do that when you're happier.
Old Ben