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Heroic 82-year-old charity cyclist dies day after finishing epic ride for MND

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Bob Montgomery, an 82-year-old charity cyclist, died a day after completing a nearly 5,300-kilometer ride across Australia for motor neurone disease (MND).
  • Montgomery and his grandson, Tom Malcolm, were welcomed home by supporters after the six-week journey, with Montgomery experiencing a medical episode later that day.
  • He raised over $300,000 for MND research in five previous rides, with his final journey adding $90,000 to the cause.

An 82-year-old grandfather's heroic charity bike ride across Australia has ended in tragedy, with Bob Montgomery dying just a day after completing his "One Last Ride." The six-week journey covered nearly 5,300 kilometers from Broome in Western Australia to his hometown of Bowral in the New South Wales Southern Highlands.

Tom, Bob's grandson, decided to push the extra 150-odd kilometres from Bowral to Sydney yesterday and we all got together to greet him. It was a lovely afternoon. We had [former South Sydney Rabbitohs player and MND sufferer] Jai Arrow in attendance ... Bob was just elated.

— Liam O'MearaMND NSW chief executive describing the welcome home and subsequent events.

Montgomery and his 18-year-old grandson, Tom Malcolm, were met by dozens of family, friends, and well-wishers upon their arrival. However, on his way home from a function in Sydney, Montgomery experienced a medical episode. His grandson, Tom, then rode an additional 150 kilometers to Sydney to meet him, where they were greeted by supporters, including former South Sydney Rabbitohs player Jai Arrow.

I received a text last night at 9 o'clock to say he has passed away, which was shocking.

— Liam O'MearaMND NSW chief executive reacting to the news of Bob Montgomery's death.

"I received a text last night at 9 o'clock to say he has passed away, which was shocking," said Liam O'Meara, chief executive of MND NSW. Montgomery's wife of 59 years, Jen, stated that his death was "very peaceful" and that he was surrounded by loved ones, receiving the recognition he deserved.

He was surrounded by his friends and family and got all of the credit that he absolutely deserved over the past 48 hours. So we're really, really pleased his last few days on earth were some of the best.

— Jen MontgomeryBob Montgomery's wife reflecting on his peaceful passing.

This was Montgomery's fifth charity bike ride for MND awareness since his cousin died from the condition 12 years ago. He raised more than $300,000 for the cause throughout his cycling efforts, with his latest ride contributing $90,000. "He didn't have to do any of this. He chose to do it. And I think that's just the mark of the man," O'Meara added. MND NSW plans to honor Montgomery with a posthumous accolade and establish a memorial ride in his name.

It was just an amazing afternoon. They put on a fantastic feed and the speeches were wonderful. It was very memorable for sure.

— Bob MontgomeryBob Montgomery speaking on Monday morning about the reception he received on Sunday.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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