Maybe he'd lend you one for a few hours - a jig that is, not a plumber. Did you look at the hob connection... a lot have quick release hoses these days which don't need a Gas Safe man, easily identifiable bayonet type fixing that's spring loaded so the gas is knocked off automatically as you disconnect it, although there's probably a stop cock on it as well, to be sure to be sure.
P.S. Would you not get her one of them new induction hobs while you're at it? Supposed to be way better than gas, they even use them on Masterchef The Professionals these days... and better for the environment. I was gonna get one myself but my pots and pans aren't compatible with induction and they've been with me a long time so I decided to put it on the back burner for now.