A 16-strong group of local young leaders will travel to Peru this summer to retrace the journey of the Thames Ironworks-built Yavari gunship. 

The Yavari Trekkers, who hail from London's most deprived boroughs, are currently fundraising for the adventure, which has the dual aims of developing their leadership skills and restoring the historical links between West Ham United and the region.

The Yavari was commissioned in 1861 by the Peruvian government and built the following year by the precursors of West Ham United, the Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Company.  

It was carried piecemeal on muleback up the Andes to be reassembled on Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable waterway. The expedition will see the young Hammers trekking over mountainous passes and crossing the wild and windswept Altiplano (high plateau). 

Some 14 days later they will arrive in Puno, where they will engage in football coaching, sharing their passion for the sport with the local young people and taking the name of West Ham with them.

Having overcome their difficult backgrounds and come through programmes at the Club’s Foundation, the Trekkers are now acting as leaders within the local area to show how hard work and the dedication to stay on the right path can benefit the entire community.

To fund the expedition, the Trekkers need to raise a total of £73,000 and will be hosting a variety of fundraising events to help achieve this target, but they also need your help!

For more information on the trip to Peru, visit http://peruyavariexpidition.com