Australian cyclist Bob Montgomery dies after completing 5,200km ride for charity

Australian cyclist Bob Montgomery dies after completing 5,200km ride for charity Family says 82-year-old’s death was ‘unexpected but peaceful’ - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments An 82-year-old charity cyclist died after completing a 5,200km bike ride through Australia. Bob Montgomery died just a day after completing the journey, accompanied by his grandson Tom Malcom, from Broome in Western Australia to his home town of Bowral, his family said. The journey, which Montgomery called "One Last Ride", spanned six weeks and raised funds for Motor Neurone Disease New South Wales. Montgomery and his 18-year-old grandson were welcomed home on Sunday by family, friends and well-wishers. Montgomery's family said his death was "unexpected but peaceful". “Fittingly, and now poignantly, the ride was named One Last Ride,” the family said in a social media post. “At 82 years of age, Bob was still passionately sharing his message only hours before his passing.” In one of his last interviews, Montgomery told ABC News on Monday morning that he was still processing his achievement and the support shown by the community. "It was just an amazing afternoon. They put on a fantastic feed, and the speeches were wonderful. It was very memorable, for sure," he said. His wife Jen Montgomery said he was surrounded by friends and family and "got all of the credit that he absolutely deserved over the past 48 hours". Montgomery raised $104,965 for charity during his journey. He had completed five other charity bike rides in the past to raise awareness and funds for Motor Neurone Disease New South Wales since his cousin died from the neurological condition 12 years ago. "I have seen family and friends suffer. It's heartbreaking," he wrote on his fundraising page. Montgomery had raised almost $300,000 in total for the cause, according to local reports. Liam O'Meara, chief executive of Motor Neurone Disease New South Wales , said Montgomery experienced a medical episode on his way home from a function on Monday. “For many years, Bob dedicated himself to raising vital funds and awareness for people living with motor neurone disease,” he said in a statement. "Bob understood that behind every diagnosis is a person and a family navigating one of life’s most challenging journeys. “His fundraising helped ensure that more people could access the care, equipment and support they need, when they need it most.” Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments