News

Meet the man kayaking 57 miles down the Charles River for a good cause

BOSTON — Liam McDermott is on a mission.

For the next two days, he's kayaking 57-miles along the Charles River, not just to enjoy the great outdoors but for something much deeper.

"I've kind of always wanted to make this trip and figured if I was going to do it, why not do it for a worthy cause," McDermott explained.

To understand why he's doing this, you have to listen. McDermott is a member of the Boston Firefighters Pipes and Drums Band. He's not a first responder, he's a civilian who enjoys being part of the cause.

What he hasn't enjoyed is playing for the countless funerals of the fallen in uniform and seeing the children left behind. The money he's raising will go to the 100 Club of Massachusetts, a group that helps the families of first responders killed in the line of duty.

"There are families that still need our help and support, so long after our thoughts and prayers, The 100 Club is still there," he said.

The president of the club is grateful for the thousands of dollars already raised, but doing it on his own is extreme.

"We've never had anyone do this type of thing like this, no," President John Lynch said.

Over the course of Friday and Saturday, he'll snake his way down the Charles, starting in Medway and ending in Boston.

It's his way of giving back, hoping it helps others move forward.

"I'll feel good knowing I did something to help them," McDermott said.

He told us the hardest part will be to just keep going 57 miles. He leaves Friday morning and will get into Boston Saturday afternoon.