Roob
I've flown all civilian types from models thro to heavies bar autogiros...
Gliding is without doubt the most skilful and enjoyable.
I haven't flown one for two years (local French politics) but still paraglide ...the next best aviation sport ...but also incredibly dangerous with instruction ranging from excellent to useless.(and very often pray to the weather).
I witnessed one training accident and had a mate injured recently at a reputed school. Both UK based.
IMHO the gliding instructional standard is incredibly high and is monitored by the BGA.
The winter is the easiest time to learn as long as you chose a club that doesn't suffer from runway closure due to flooding.
A ridge opens you open to faster progression as does a motor glider.
There are several clubs that have a student group co based.
Good luck
From an old fart who feels he is too old to fly upside down in the mountains.
Can you post a photo of your mum or her mum?