Bob Montgomery, an 82-year-old advocate for motor neurone disease research, died Monday night after suffering a medical episode. His death came just one day after he completed a grueling 5,300-kilometre charity bike ride across Australia, a six-week journey. The Bowral resident had been traveling home from a celebration function in Sydney's Rose Bay when the incident occurred. He had completed five charity bike rides for MND over the years, raising more than $300,000 for research and service support.
The Final Journey
Montgomery's last effort, dubbed "One Last Ride," spanned nearly 5,300 kilometres. This arduous journey began in Broome, Western Australia, and concluded in his hometown of Bowral in the NSW Southern Highlands. Montgomery and his 18-year-old grandson, Tom Malcolm, were welcomed home on Sunday by dozens of family, friends, and wellwishers. Tom Malcolm had pushed an additional 150 kilometres from Bowral to Sydney on Monday to attend the function.
MND NSW chief executive Liam O'Meara confirmed the medical episode. "It was a lovely afternoon," O'Meara stated, noting the presence of former South Sydney Rabbitohs player Jai Arrow. "Bob was just elated." O'Meara received a text at 9 o'clock Monday night confirming Montgomery's passing, which he described as "shocking." Jen Montgomery, his wife of 59 years, issued a statement describing his death as unexpected but peaceful. She confirmed he was "surrounded by his friends and family" and received "all of the credit that he absolutely deserved over the past 48 hours." O'Meara added that Montgomery's "last few days on earth were some of the best."
A Life of Advocacy
The family's statement called Montgomery a "beautiful soul," overwhelmed by the "kindness, love and messages of support." Speaking to ABC Illawarra Drive on Monday morning, Montgomery himself expressed he was still processing his achievement and the community's support. "It was just an amazing afternoon [on Sunday]," he said. "They put on a fantastic feed and the speeches were wonderful. It was very memorable, for sure."
Montgomery began his charity rides for MND awareness and research 12 years ago, following the death of his cousin from the condition. His latest venture alone raised a growing $90,000. O'Meara emphasized Montgomery's long-term commitment, stating, "It can't be understated what he has achieved for many years, not just on this ride. He's been a massive advocate and stalwart for the MND community." O'Meara concluded, "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." MND NSW now plans to award Montgomery a posthumous accolade and establish a memorial ride in his honor. "He absolutely deserves it and we want to honour his memory," O'Meara said.