Bob Montgomery, an 82-year-old cyclist, died peacefully on Monday, just one day after completing a 3,300-mile (5,300 km) journey across Australia to raise funds for motor neurone disease (MND) research. Montgomery and his 18-year-old grandson, Tom Malcolm, embarked on the six-week ride, which they called "One Last Ride," from Broome in Western Australia to Bowral, located southwest of Sydney.
The duo successfully raised approximately A$105,000 (about $74,000 USD or £55,000 GBP) for MND NSW, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals affected by the disease. This cause held deep personal significance for Montgomery, as it was his sixth fundraising ride for the organization.
Montgomery's family described his passing as "unexpected" but "peaceful," noting that his wife of 59 years, Jenny, was by his side. They shared that he was actively spreading his message about the cause just hours before his death.
The cyclists were met with enthusiastic applause from their local community upon their arrival in Bowral on Sunday. Montgomery reportedly found motivation in meeting people along his route and enjoying brief stops, stating that the generosity of those who contributed to the cause was "fantastic."