A 78-year-old man from East Sussex in the UK is planning to undergo a £13,500 sex change operation through the NHS.

He will become the oldest person on the NHS to undergo such a surgery. Ruth Rose, from Newhaven, has been living like a woman six years ago after she lived most of her life James Rose, a former RAF navigator. Rose said that she was dreaming of becoming a woman from the age of nine and finally his dream is set come true at the age of 78.

"It's gorgeous to be who I am at long last. My life has blossomed beyond all recognition since I made the decision," said Ruth. Ruth got married in 1961 and is now the father of three and grandfather of four children. The couple divorced in 2003 after 42 years of marriage.

Ruth added, "It's gorgeous to be who I am at long last. My life has blossomed beyond all recognition since I made the decision."

Doctors are expected to carry out the surgery in October next year, after he turns 80 at London's Charing Cross Hospital. Meanwhile, he is receiving NHS-prescribed hormone therapy.