It's not all doom and gloom
OK, so you are short of money at the moment.
Like you I had a CAA PPL (A), and didn't fly for 7 years. I deliberately quit after finding myself scud running, for the sake of my young family.
Getting the licence valid again took.....3 flights. 2x training flights and a test. Sure, they worked a sweat out of me, but I surprised myself. It's like cycling. You don't forget everything overnight.
Suggestions? Visit the local gliding club. Get some wind under your wings cheaply. It only costs a bit of time and a tenner or two.