Bob Montgomery, 82, died peacefully a day after completing a six-week, 3,300-mile (5,300 km) charity ride from Broome to Bowral to raise money for MND NSW. He and his 18-year-old grandson Tom Malcolm raised around A$105,000 on the trip; Montgomery had previously raised nearly A$300,000 through earlier rides. His wife Jenny of 59 years was at his side, and MND NSW chief executive Liam O'Meara described him as a cherished friend and tireless supporter.
82-Year-Old Cyclist Dies Peacefully After Completing 3,300-Mile 'One Last Ride' for MND NSW
Bob Montgomery completed the charity ride with his grandson [Instagram/broome2bowral.4mnd]
Bob Montgomery, 82, died peacefully a day after completing a six-week, 3,300-mile (about 5,300 km) charity ride across Australia to raise funds for motor neurone disease (MND) research and support.
Montgomery's family said his death was "unexpected" but "peaceful," coming just 24 hours after he finished what he had called "One Last Ride," a route that ran from Broome in Western Australia to Bowral, south-west of Sydney. The journey, completed with his 18-year-old grandson Tom Malcolm, raised around A$105,000 (approximately $74,000; £55,000) for MND NSW.
Ride, Motivation and Fundraising
The six-week challenge was Montgomery's sixth fundraising ride for MND NSW. He had been inspired to take on the campaign after losing a cousin to motor neurone disease and had raised nearly A$300,000 on previous rides. Along the route he told the ABC he was energised by meeting people and enjoyed "a beer or two" at many stopovers.
Bob Montgomery's "One Last Ride" saw him cycle from Broome in Western Australia to Bowral, south-west of Sydney [BBC]
"There's so many stories and so many people we met along the way who put their hands into their pockets to throw some cash in, which is fantastic," Montgomery said during the trip.
Final Days and Tributes
Montgomery and his grandson arrived in Bowral to "roaring applause" from the local community. After family celebrations continued in Sydney, Montgomery suffered a medical episode and passed away shortly afterwards. His wife of 59 years, Jenny, was at his side for his peaceful passing, the family said.
Liam O'Meara, chief executive of MND NSW, paid tribute to Montgomery, calling him a "cherished friend and tireless supporter" and saying the organisation was "deeply saddened" by his death.
Legacy
Montgomery's determination to raise funds and awareness for MND left a clear legacy: significant donations, community engagement along a cross-country route and a final campaign that inspired many to give. His family and the charity highlighted both his fundraising achievements and his personal commitment to a cause that had affected his own family.
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