30 April,2012 12:11 PM IST | | IANS
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, a major newspaper 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.