Well, following a long medical (including stress ECG) at the local hospital and lighter to the tune of £1k, I have now got my medical back. No need for a safety pilot.
However, I need to do the same ever year at least for 5 years and I don't actually fly at the moment. Was hoping to fly over in Canada where I plan to move next year.
Will probably decide on grounds of cost that it is not worth it...