Australia’s motor neurone disease (MND) community is mourning the loss of one of its most dedicated advocates after veteran charity cyclist Bob Montgomery died just one day after completing his final cross-country fundraising ride.

Montgomery, 82, completed what he called “One Last Ride” on Sunday after cycling almost 5,300 kilometres from Broome in Western Australia to his hometown of Bowral in New South Wales alongside his 18-year-old grandson, Tom Malcolm.

The six-week journey was the culmination of decades of fundraising work for people living with motor neurone disease, a progressive neurological condition that gradually destroys the nerve cells controlling voluntary muscle movement.

Less than 24 hours after celebrations marking the achievement, Montgomery suffered a medical episode while travelling home from a function held in Sydney’s Rose Bay and later died peacefully surrounded by family and friends. His death came as a profound shock to those who had celebrated his extraordinary accomplishment only hours earlier.

MND NSW chief executive Liam O’Meara said the organisation had gathered on Monday to welcome Tom Malcolm after the young cyclist continued an additional ride from Bowral to Sydney following the official finish.

Former South Sydney Rabbitohs player Jai Arrow, who is living with MND, attended the event, where supporters celebrated the completion of the remarkable journey.

According to Mr O’Meara, Montgomery was “elated” throughout the afternoon.

Later that evening came the devastating news that he had passed away unexpectedly.

His wife of 59 years, Jen Montgomery, said the family was heartbroken but grateful that his final days had been filled with recognition, friendship and love.

In a statement, the family described him as a “beautiful soul” who had been overwhelmed by the kindness and messages of support received throughout the ride and following his death.

Only hours before his passing, Montgomery had spoken about reaching the finish line after six demanding weeks on Australia’s highways.

Reflecting on the homecoming in Bowral, he described the welcome from family, friends and supporters as unforgettable.

“It was just an amazing afternoon,” he said after completing the ride.

He said the community celebration and speeches had made the achievement especially memorable after weeks battling long distances, strong headwinds and physically demanding conditions.

The journey had been inspired by Montgomery’s determination to support people living with motor neurone disease, a cause that became deeply personal following the death of his cousin from the condition more than a decade ago.

Rather than slowing down in retirement, Montgomery devoted years to raising both awareness and funding for research and support services.

His latest expedition became the sixth major interstate cycling challenge of his life and his fifth undertaken specifically for MND.

Across those fundraising campaigns, he raised more than $300,000 for research, equipment, support programs and services assisting families affected by the disease.

His final campaign exceeded expectations after donations continued to grow throughout the journey and after news of his death. MND NSW said the latest ride had raised more than $100,000, with donations continuing in his memory.

On the official fundraising website for “One Last Ride”, Montgomery explained that his wife Jenny had suggested the ride’s name, signalling that this would be his final major charity cycling adventure.

He wrote that he was riding “for those who no longer can”, referring to Australians living with motor neurone disease who progressively lose their mobility and independence.

Despite describing it as his last long-distance fundraising ride, he remained optimistic about future adventures and encouraged Australians to continue supporting MND research.

The 5,300-kilometre route began in Broome on 22 June before crossing Western Australia, the Northern Territory, regional Queensland and outback New South Wales.

Montgomery and Tom Malcolm averaged around 160 kilometres each day, frequently spending up to 12 hours on their bicycles while facing strong headwinds, changing weather conditions and long stretches of remote highways.

The pair also navigated mechanical issues and shared roads with large road trains, but repeatedly said the generosity shown by Australians along the route kept them motivated.

Tom Malcolm later explained that although joining the expedition had initially seemed daunting, he ultimately accepted his grandfather’s invitation because of the example Montgomery had set throughout his life.

The pair’s finish in Bowral was greeted by dozens of family members, friends and supporters who lined the streets to celebrate what many believed was an extraordinary achievement for an 82-year-old cyclist.

For Montgomery, however, the journey was never about personal recognition.

He repeatedly said that the physical discomfort of cycling was insignificant compared with the daily challenges faced by people diagnosed with MND.

Motor neurone disease is an incurable neurological condition that progressively damages the nerve cells controlling movement. As muscles weaken, patients gradually lose the ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe independently. While treatments can help manage symptoms, there is currently no cure, making fundraising for research and support services an ongoing priority for organisations across Australia.

Liam O’Meara described Montgomery as one of the most important advocates the organisation had ever worked alongside.

He said Montgomery had chosen to dedicate years of his retirement to helping complete strangers affected by MND, despite having no obligation to do so.

Mr O’Meara said MND NSW now intends to honour Montgomery’s legacy by establishing a memorial ride in his name and presenting a posthumous recognition acknowledging his decades of service to the MND community.

Tributes have continued to pour in from across Australia, with supporters remembering Montgomery not only for his extraordinary endurance but also for his generosity, optimism and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others.

His story resonated because it demonstrated that determination and public service need not diminish with age.

Even in his eighties, Montgomery continued setting ambitious goals, inspiring younger generations—including his own grandson—to contribute to causes larger than themselves.

Although his final ride ended in tragedy, those closest to him say he spent his last days doing exactly what he loved: raising hope, bringing communities together and shining a spotlight on Australians living with one of the country’s most devastating neurological diseases.

His fundraising campaign remains open, allowing supporters to continue contributing towards MND research and frontline support services in honour of a man whose final journey embodied the spirit of giving until the very end.