A TRANSGENDER woman has spoken of her joy at becoming the oldest person in Britain to have surgery.

Ruth Rose, 85, had a reassignment op four years ago after her doctor told her she could be considered for the full procedure.

8 Ruth Rose, 85, became the oldest person in Britain to have a reassignment op four years ago Credit: Dan Charity - The Sun

OAP Ruth Rose who had gender reassignment surgery aged 81 urges people to 'embrace' themselves

She has defended the £4,000 cost of the surgery by sitting on an NHS advisory board and volunteering for charities that support old people.

Ruth told the BBC: “It is only in the past 15 years that this has become acceptable. Before that people thought it was just for freaks.”

Ruth had the surgery after living as a woman for several years.

She had been known as James Rose, an ex-RAF navigator, mechanical engineer and financial consultant.

8 Ruth Rose, formerly James Rose pictured in 1956 aged 23 while in the RAF Credit: Dan Charity - The Sun

8 Rose married and kept her gender identity secret - pictured in 1992 Credit: Dan Charity - The Sun

8 Ruth Rose, formerly James Rose, pictured on a yacht in the same year Credit: Dan Charity - The Sun

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8 It was not until 1973 that Ruth's then-wife found pictures of her dressed as a woman

8 Ruth had the surgery after living as a woman for several years Credit: Dan Charity - The Sun

She married but kept her secret until 1973 when her wife found pictures of her dressed as a woman. They finally divorced in 2003.

Ruth waited until retirement to come out as a woman but first realised she wanted to be female aged nine.

8 Ruth said: 'It is only in the past 15 years that this has become acceptable' Credit: Dan Charity - The Sun

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8 The ex-RAF navigator sits on an NHS advisory board and volunteers for charities that support old people Credit: Rex Features

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She did not expect the NHS to fund the surgery due to her age. She added: “I was surprised to be given the chance for a medical transition. It’s like starting my life all over.”

Spending public cash on the op has been questioned by Tory MP Pauline Latham.

She said: “When you think about the rationing of hip and knee replacements and cancer waiting lists, I’m not sure this is a priority for the NHS.”

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