Thanks for the reply Smilodon.
I would hope to find at least partial funding, but family members said they would help (hopefully!!!).

I graduated in 2004 with a 2:1 in Electronic Engineering. I tried a masters back in 2006, but due to disillusionment with the course and family circumstances, I did not complete.
My career looked like it was taking off a couple of years ago with a technical support role a couple of years ago. However, with the death of mother, I have taken on the role of carer for my father (he is 94).
I am now considering whether or not a part-time PhD would be viable: would I be consider suitable, has it been too long since I graduated , no evidence of successfully continuing in engineering since 2008.
During my undergraduate degree, I did well with the project side and I very much enjoyed this aspect of my studies. My final project was of my own conception.
I do understand that the part-time PhD is a considerable undertaking.