Rode 5,200 km for charity — and passed away a day later

Bob Montgomery, a charity cyclist who stunned the world by completing a 5,200 km ride across the Australian continent, passed away yesterday at the age of 82.

His family confirmed his death on social media, stating that he passed away unexpectedly just one day after finishing the bike ride alongside his grandson, Tom, as a fundraiser for those with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

In a post, his family noted that this was Montgomery's sixth interstate fundraising ride to support the fight against MND in New South Wales, aimed at "raising vital funds and awareness for a cause that was very personal to him."

"Fittingly, and now poignantly, the ride was called 'One Last Ride'," the post continued. "At 82, Bob was still passionately sharing his message just hours before his death." According to the MND New South Wales website, his epic journey raised 104,965 Australian dollars in donations. MND NSW shared a tribute, stating they were "deeply saddened" by his sudden passing and calling Montgomery a "dear friend and tireless supporter of MND NSW."

"For many years, Bob dedicated himself to raising vital funds and awareness for people living with motor neurone disease," said the group's CEO, Liam O'Meara, in a statement.