Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
A family has gone from celebrating their beloved grandfather’s incredible cross-country feat to mourning his death in less than 24 hours.
Over the weekend, 82-year-old Bob Montgomery won hearts across Australia after he and his grandson — 18-year-old Tom Malcolm — finished their mammoth 5300km charity cycle to raise funds for motor neurone disease.
The six-week journey, which Mr Montgomery named One Last Ride, saw the octogenarian travel from Broome in WA’s north to his hometown of Bowral, located in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales.
“This ride is about honouring the people we’ve lost to MND and supporting the families who live with it every day,” he told the Broome Advertiser before the ride.
“At 82, I’m fortunate to still get in the saddle and ride, so we are doing this for those who can’t. We just get to the other end, so really it’s about them.”
He completed his lengthy cycle in his hometown on Sunday, being met with fanfare from his family, friends and supporters.
The next day, the grandfather was honoured at a function for MND — but on his way home, tragedy struck.
Mr Montgomery suffered a medical episode and less than 24 hours after ending his mammoth cycle, he passed away.
In a statement announcing his death, Mr Montgomery’s long-time wife Jen said his passing was unexpected but peaceful.
“He was surrounded by his friends and family, and got all of the credit that he absolutely deserved over the past 48 hours,” she said.
“We’re really, really pleased his last few days on Earth were some of his best.”
In a separate statement shared to the charity ride’s social media, his children and grandchildren shared gratitude for the “overwhelming kindness” they have received after his passing.
“Just the day before, Bob and his grandson completed their extraordinary fundraising cycle across Australia,” they wrote.
“Fittingly, and now poignantly, the ride was named One Last Ride.
“At 82 years of age, Bob was still passionately sharing his message only hours before his passing.
“He had the immense joy of celebrating the completion of the ride with family, friends and supporters, including Jai Arrow and Liam O’Meara.
“Rest in peace, love you so much Papa.”
Mr Montgomery’s inspiration for his years of MND advocacy was his cousin Judith, who passed from the terminal neurological condition in 2014.
Since Judith’s death, Mr Montgomery had participated in six charity bike rides and raised more than $300,000 for motor neurone disease.
“It can’t be understated what (Bob) has achieved for many years, not only on this ride,” MND NSW chief executive Liam O’Meara said about his passing.
“He’s been a massive advocate and stalwart for the MND community.”
Mr O’Meara revealed that the organisation was looking give a posthumous accolade to the late cyclist for his years of advocacy.
“He absolutely deserves it and we want to honour him,” he said.
The Montgomery family has invited people wishing to continue Bob’s legacy to visit his website, where donations can be made for MND research.
