SYDNEY — An 82-year-old bike rider who cycled 5,300 kilometers across Australia to raise money for charity has died a day after completing the feat.
Bob Montgomery’s death was “unexpected” but “peaceful”, his family said in a statement confirming his death on social media, just a day after he finished what he had dubbed “One Last Ride” from Broome in Western Australia to Bowral, south-west of Sydney.
His wife of 59 years, Jenny was by his side during his “peaceful passing”, his family said, adding that he was “still passionately sharing his message only hours before his passing.”
Montgomery and his 18-year-old grandson Tom Malcolm had raised about A$105,000 ($74,000) for a motor neurone disease (MND) charity with the six-week ride.
In the post, his family said it was Montgomery’s sixth interstate fundraising ride in support of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) NSW, “raising vital funds and awareness for a cause that was deeply personal to him”.
“Fittingly, and now poignantly, the ride was named One Last Ride,” it continued. “At 82 years of age, Bob was still passionately sharing his message only hours before his passing.”
According to the MND NSW website, his epic ride raised $104,965 in donations.
MND NSW shared a tribute, saying it was “deeply saddened” by the sudden passing, calling Montgomery a “cherished friend and tireless supporter of MND NSW”.
“For many years, Bob dedicated himself to raising vital funds and awareness for people living with motor neurone disease,” the group’s CEO, Liam O’Meara, said in a statement.
“His most recent achievement, riding from Broome to Bowral at the age of 82 alongside his 18-year-old grandson, was nothing short of inspirational.
“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.”
Montgomery and his grandson Tom had arrived in Bowral on Sunday to “roaring applause” from his local community, the national broadcaster ABC reported.
He told ABC he had been motivated by meeting people along the way.
“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 was quoted as saying.
He had been inspired to take on the challenge after losing a cousin to MND and had raised almost A$300,000 on his previous rides. “I have seen family and friends suffer. It’s heart breaking,” he wrote on his fundraising page.
Malcolm had continued onto Sydney on Monday where the family had gathered once again to celebrate.
But shortly after the party, Montgomery suffered a medical episode, MND NSW chief executive Liam O’Meara said.
O’Meara said he was “deeply saddened” by Montgomery’s death, calling him a “cherished friend and tireless supporter of MND NSW”.
Source: Saudi Gazette