Charity cyclist Bob Montgomery, 82, dies one day after finishing 5300km ‘One Last Ride’ for MND

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.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Grandfather dies after completing charity cycle across Australia

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.

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.

“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.”

‘Nothing short of inspirational’

MND NSW said it was “deeply saddened” by Montgomery’s sudden death, describing him as “an incredible man”.

“For many years, Bob dedicated himself to raising vital funds and awareness for people living with motor neurone disease,” chief executive Liam O’Meara said.

He described Montgomery’s final journey as “nothing short of inspirational”.

“Through that remarkable journey, Bob helped educate communities across Australia about MND and the important work of MND NSW,” he said. 

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.” 

“We will honour Bob with one of our highest recognitions and, in his memory, continue the work he was so passionate about. 

“He will be greatly missed, but his impact on people living with MND and their families will never be forgotten.”

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.