AN 83-yer-old activist has paired up with a mobility company to encourage independence.

Ruth Rose from Newhaven became the oldest person in Britain to make the change from male to female with a sex-change at the age of 81.

Now, she has teamed up with Brighton-based mobility company Essential Aids who has enlisted the help of the ageism and transgender activist, to front their latest campaign, Forever Fabulous.

Alex Wrenn, managing director of essentialaids.com, said: “Our mobility products enhance independence, enabling people to retain their individuality.

“Ruth is a fantastic example of someone who despite having had two hip replacements and a knee replacement, is living life to the full, campaigning for issues that are close to her heart.”

Former RAF navigator Ruth lived most of her life as James before the NHS commissioned the operation two years ago.

The operation, essentially funded by the taxpayer, was met with opposition, and talking to The Argus at the age of 78, she said: “I have been asked the question “is this fair” many, many times.

“The point really about the surgery is that the NHS has offered it to me. I have not demanded it.

“I have made the change and am living totally as a woman.”

Having undergone the sex change, she wants to assist essentialaids.com with their campaign after struggling through many more operations in her life.

She said: "Living on my own after each of three joint operations in my mid 70s, I made full use of the right mobility equipment to speed my recovery and return to an unrestricted active life.

“Now well into in my 80s, nothing holds me back from my daily swims in the sea, my sailing, my cycling, my walking and my travelling.

“I am proud to have been chosen by Essential Aids to represent what a great and exciting life older people can enjoy."

Essential Aids’ Forever Fabulous campaign highlights the fact that seniors and those with mobility issues are still able to achieve their goals, aspirations and ambitions.

Mr Wrenn added: “We hope our mobility aids allow the people who use them to feel they can still achieve their potential and be Forever Fabulous.”