A nearly 80-year-old man in Britain is all set to undergo a sex change with a 13,500 pounds (about $21,960) National Health Service operation.
Ruth Rose, a former Royal Air Force (RAF) officer and grandad of four who used to be called James, will become the oldest person in Britain to have the procedure, The Sun reported.
He dreamt of being a woman from the age of nine. But it is only now - nearly 70 years on and after a successful flying career - that he plans to go ahead to fulfill the long cherished dream.
Rose, of Newhaven, East Sussex, said: "It's gorgeous to be who I am at long last."
"My life has blossomed beyond all recognition since I made the decision."
The dad of three decided to live fully as a woman in public two years ago.
Despite his age, doctors have scheduled the surgery for October next year - after he turns 80 - at London's Charing Cross Hospital. He turns 79 next month.
In the meantime, Rose is being treated with NHS-prescribed hormone therapy.