I'm still waiting on my Class 1 and redsnails right, it is the most important bit!
CaptainCrunch, there's no point doing this if you're not prepared to be broke for a while, the reality is that you very well maybe - for quite sometime. There are ways to soften the blow on your finances depending on which way you approach it. I intend to do the PPL - IMC - Night Rating in the US. Return to the UK and continue working and saving whilst studying the ATPL theory. CPL/IR and exams to follow 8-10 months later. Depending on how you proceed you may not have to resign until you've got a substantial amount of extra cash behind you. Every bit counts! Remember you need stuff like course materials, headset, exam fees etc etc. These can come to an extra 3000 GBP so look at budgeting for 33k GBP + living expenses while you're not working.
As far as your medical requirements go, have a look at the JAA website, all of the optical limits for you eyes etc are included (+/- 5 Dioptres if memory serves me right). There are jobs for low time people out there - however as was mentioned you might not strike gold straight away and end up having to go somewhere to build up those valuable hours. And as far as "it does seem so far fetched!", so did going to the moon,
if you have the passion to do this the goal is not outside your reach...