MEET
DAMIEN YOUNG
SEPTEMBER 2026
Meet our 2023 Spirit of the Gong award winner, Damien!
He’s back this year with his team the Young Guns – legends who together have fundraised over $160,000 since 2009.
An extra special member of the Young Guns team is Damien’s son Sam, who will be taking on his third MS Gong Ride! You can read Sam’s story here.
He has been eager to do it since he was two years old. My wife and kids have been at the start and end of every ride since before he was born – they have been my anchor. He has been counting down the years until he can sign up, and he is very excited. He understands the reason for the ride and knows that he has the power to help a lot of people.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often strikes people in the prime of their lives when they are busy building careers and families. Damien was diagnosed with MS at just 26 years old.
Damien was initially referred to the neurologist due to significant facial twitching, and vision impairment. He returned after losing sensation in his feet. He had walked over oyster shells did not realise until leaving the water and saw his feet were bleeding. It was a scary experience. He was young and had his whole life ahead of him.
After his initial treatment had failed to slow his progression and resulted in three relapses in a year, Damien felt lucky to be included in a trial for a new treatment. Since being then he has not relapsed and has been able to manage his MS symptoms.
MS can impact anybody. It can come on young – that’s the thing many people don’t understand. There's a lot of stigma around it and it’s unpredictable. There's no prognosis.
Damien still suffers from numbness in his feet, optic neuritis, muscle aches and fatigue. High temperatures, stress, and illness heighten these symptoms, so taking part in the MS Gong Ride can be difficult for Damien. He takes measures, such as taking breaks, starting at Engadine, using an ice vest, to ensure his ride is both safe and enjoyable.
Because Damien loves taking part in the MS Gong Ride. He says, "I started doing the MS Gong Ride the year after my diagnosis. I've always been aware of how lucky I am to be able to participate and wanted to do everything that I could for those who haven't been as lucky."
In 2009, when I signed up for my first MS Gong Ride, I didn't comprehend the role that it would play in my life. It has improved it a hundred-fold. It has shown me what I am capable of, it has made me grateful for the hand I have been dealt, and it has shown me the overwhelming support that I have from those around me, especially my wife Georgie and my children.
The example it has allowed me to set for my children has been another unexpected benefit. I am so proud of the drive, empathy, and generosity that this is teaching them.
What Damien loves most about the ride is the sense of accomplishment, atmosphere and opportunity to be a part of something greater than himself.
There is always a huge sense of achievement getting out of the Royal National Park and seeing the view down from Bald Hill. The climb out of the Royal National Park is the most gruelling part, but crossing the finish line then enjoying the vibe at the Event Village is always a highlight. It’s a fantastic day.
Look out for Damien and Sam at the Engadine Start Line and make sure to say hi before your ride!
