A DUMBARTON Royal Navy warrant officer is swapping the seas for the saddle as he embarks on the cycling challenge of a lifetime in support of disadvantaged children.

Stephen Thomson, 44, has linked up with seven other foot soldiers of the Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal (TASA), a charity set up by kind-hearted Scotland fans to benefit those less fortunate in countries in which the Scottish national team has played.

Now the group are taking on one of their biggest challenges of all – cycling in five days from Wembley Stadium to Hampden Park, where Scotland will play England in their crucial World Cup qualifier this Saturday.

That is seeing them average more than 100 miles per day, with Mr Thomson delighted the work of the Tartan Army has been recognised on and off the saddle.

“It’s an absolutely brilliant cause, I’ve seen a few TASA presentations and we’ve seen how much the money means to the charities, and how much it can help the children it benefits,” he said.

“There’s no feeling like it to be part of the Tartan Army. We’re the best fans in the world!

“People should beep their horns, and if they see us when we stop, come and give us a donation to charity – encouraging us. It’s a long way, five days and 450 miles, a bit of encouragement here and there will help everyone get through, because it’s a monumental cycle for other people.

“I’ve got a good feeling about the game on Saturday – I think 2-1 to Scotland! We’re up for this, we’re back with a chance of a play-off position and we’ve got to win it.”

TASA was formed in its current guise in 2004 and originates from the efforts of a number of Scotland fans who wanted to raise funds to support a young boy who lost a leg in the Serbian war.

Fans clubbed together to help pay for a prosthetic leg for him and, since that date, TASA have made more than 60 consecutive donations to charities in countries where the national team play football.

The group, who are backed by energy supplier SSE, already a partner of The Scottish FA and Scottish Women’s Football (SWF), set off on Tuesday, with the event coming to mind when they travelled to Malta last September.

They also had a familiar face to support them in London, with former Scotland manager Alex McLeish on hand to pass on his best wishes, believing this initiative is what perfectly epitomises the Tartan Army spirit

“It’s a special cause, and part of the reason the Tartan Army are loved throughout the world,” he said.

“And everybody will see the Tartan Army for real in the flesh. It’s a great gesture by the guys, and they’ve now got a gruelling bike ride, they’re all looking fit and raring to go.

“I’m sure once or twice they’ll be in need of a wee push or shove if they are feeling they might want to stop, and it will be nice for the punters to give them a wave and a cheer to help them on their journey.

“We’ve not been at a tournament for a long time, but hopefully we can change things starting with the match on Saturday.

“To be playing England in a major tournament, to try and win the game under a resurgent England under Gareth Southgate, after they failed in the Euros, it’s the pinnacle for the Scots fans if we can win.”

SSE is proud to support the TASA charity bike ride.

For more information and to donate go to: www.tasabikeride.co.uk/donate