An 82-year-old charity cyclist has died just one day after completing a mammoth 5300km ride across Australia. Bob Montgomery finished the “Miles for MND: One Last Ride” campaign with his 18-year-old grandson, Tom Malcolm, on Sunday after cycling from Broome to Bowral.
Tragedy After Celebration
The six-week journey aimed to raise funds and awareness for people living with motor neurone disease (MND) in honour of Montgomery’s cousin, who died from the disease. Montgomery spent Monday celebrating the achievement with family, friends and supporters before tragedy struck later that evening.
On the drive home from the celebration with his 79-year-old wife, Jenny, he suffered a medical episode before the couple’s car crashed, said 2GB host Mark Levy, who attended the event. NSW Police said the vehicle crashed into a side wall inside the M5 East Tunnel at Arncliffe about 7pm on Monday.
Family's Statement
Montgomery was rushed to St George Hospital in a critical condition, where he later died. Jenny was treated at the scene before being taken to the same hospital in a stable condition. In a statement, the family said Jenny, his “beloved wife of 59 years”, was by his side “during his peaceful passing”.
“The family of Bob Montgomery would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming kindness, love and messages of support following Bob’s unexpected passing last night,” they wrote. The family said Montgomery had received a warm welcome from loved ones after arriving in his hometown of Bowral on Sunday.
Legacy of Generosity
“This was Bob’s sixth interstate fundraising ride in support of Motor Neurone Disease NSW, raising vital funds and awareness for a cause that was deeply personal to him,” the statement read. “Fittingly, and now poignantly, the ride was named One Last Ride.”
MND NSW said it was “deeply saddened” by Montgomery’s sudden death, describing him as “an incredible man”. Chief executive Liam O’Meara said, “For many years, Bob dedicated himself to raising vital funds and awareness for people living with motor neurone disease.” He described Montgomery’s final journey as “nothing short of inspirational”.
Fundraising Success
O’Meara said the money raised would provide essential equipment, practical support, specialist care and information services for people living with MND and their families. “Bob leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of generosity, determination and service,” he said. “His commitment to helping others, even well into his eighties, was an inspiration to all of us.”
Montgomery and his grandson set off from Broome on June 22, cycling more than 5300km across Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and NSW. He previously described the journey as challenging but unforgettable. “Plenty of problems, mate, plenty of problems, but the team’s holding together well. It’s a great journey and one that you certainly will not forget,” he said at the time.
Tom said knowing they were riding to support people living with MND and their families kept them going through the toughest days. “If we can raise awareness and help support people living with MND, then every kilometre is worth it,” he said. As of Tuesday, Montgomery’s fundraising campaign had raised more than $100,000.
