Mike O'Connor
Australian charity cyclist Bob Montgomery has died at the age of 82, just one day after completing a 5,300km fundraising ride across Australia in support of people living with motor neurone disease (MND).
Montgomery arrived in his hometown of Bowral on Sunday after six weeks on the road, completing the Miles for MND: One Last Ride campaign alongside his 18-year-old grandson, Tom Malcolm.
The pair had departed Broome on June 22, riding through Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales.
The campaign generated more than $100,000 for MND NSW while drawing national attention to motor neurone disease, a cause that was deeply personal to Montgomery after losing a cousin to the disease.
On Monday, Montgomery celebrated the achievement with family, friends and supporters before suffering a medical episode later that evening while travelling home with his wife, Jenny.
In a statement, Montgomery’s family thanked the cycling community and supporters for their messages following his death.
“This was Bob’s sixth interstate fundraising ride in support of MND NSW, raising vital funds and awareness for a cause that was deeply personal to him,” the family said.
“Fittingly, and now poignantly, the ride was named One Last Ride.”
MND NSW chief executive Liam O’Meara paid tribute to Montgomery’s years of fundraising and advocacy.
“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,” O’Meara said.
“Through that remarkable journey, Bob helped educate communities across Australia about MND and the important work of MND NSW.”
O’Meara said the money raised through the ride would help provide specialist care, equipment, practical support 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.”
Speaking during the journey, Montgomery acknowledged there had been challenges along the way but said the team remained determined to reach Bowral.
“Plenty of problems, mate, plenty of problems, but the team’s holding together well,” he said. “It’s a great journey and one that you certainly will not forget.”
His grandson, Tom, said the purpose behind the ride helped them push through the toughest days.
“If we can raise awareness and help support people living with MND, then every kilometre is worth it,” he said.
The Broome-to-Bowral ride was Montgomery’s sixth interstate fundraising journey for MND NSW, capping years of charity cycling that raised significant funds and awareness for Australians living with motor neurone disease.
If you’d like to contribute to Bob’s fundraising legacy, you can do so here.
Vale Bob.
Mike O’Connor – A keen cyclist, runner and photographer, Mike O’Connor is the Editor of Bicycling Australia. He manages the BA website and social media, and loves promoting the achievements of Australian cyclists.
