Charity cyclist, 82, dies a day after 3,300 mile ride across Australia

Bob Montgomery, an 82-year-old cyclist, passed away a day after completing a remarkable 3,300-mile (5,300km) charity ride across Australia. Known as "One Last Ride," the journey began in Broome, Western Australia, and concluded in Bowral, south-west of Sydney. Montgomery and his 18-year-old grandson, Tom Malcolm, raised approximately A$105,000 ($74,000; £55,000) for MND NSW, the organization he had supported on previous six-week fundraising rides.

The sixth ride was particularly personal to him, as it honored a cousin who had succumbed to motor neurone disease (MND). Montgomery's family described his death as peaceful, with his beloved wife, Jenny, by his side during the final moments. He had expressed gratitude for the support he received along the way and shared his motivation for the challenge, stating, "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."

Despite his advanced age, Montgomery remained deeply committed to raising awareness for MND, having raised nearly A$300,000 on his previous rides. Tragically, shortly after a celebratory gathering in Sydney with family and friends, Montgomery experienced a medical episode. MND NSW chief executive, Liam O Meara, expressed deep sorrow over Montgomery's passing, hailing him as a "cherished friend and tireless supporter of MND NSW."