MEET Sam Young
09 OCTOBER 2025
The second-youngest member of the Young Guns and highest youth fundraiser for the 2024 MS Gong Ride, Sam is ready to once again take on the challenge in support of his dad, Damien.
Damien was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at just 26 years old. Read Damien's story here.
Sam has been tagging along on training rides and cheering on his dad at the start and finish lines since he was born. After two successful virtual MS Gong Rides, Sam rode the MS Gong Ride course for the first time in 2024. He was thrilled to not only complete the ride alongside his dad, but also be recognized as the Highest Youth Fundraiser.
Sam is excited to be back in 2025! He never stops training; riding to and from school, and with his friends on the weekends, Sam is feeling more prepared than ever. He is always on the hunt for a good challenge, with his favorite being a classic hill climb.
Having seen the effects of multiple sclerosis throughout his life, Sam knows that through the MS Gong Ride he has the power to help other people living with MS.
It feels good to do something for other people. I know I can help make a difference.
Sam has traditionally raised funds by seeking donations from friends and family, presenting at school and frequently reminding his parents to post on their social media. This year he is looking forward to taking a more active role in his fundraising and is exploring other options to both raise awareness for MS and have a great time.
Sam is a fundraising superstar, he was the highest youth fundraiser in 2023 and 2024, raising over $20,600 since 2020 to help support people living with MS.
No doubt it was Sam’s dedication to take on the MS Gong Ride that inspired such generous support. The 2024 ride was a spectacular day and not only were his team, the Young Guns, cheering Sam on, but so were many fellow riders. Sam fondly recalls someone telling him they didn’t realise someone so young could make such an impact!
He cannot wait to ride the course again in all its glory alongside the Young Guns team in the 2025 MS Gong Ride. Sam has a message to all his fellow riders:
Train hard and have fun! Stick to your goals and you go further while still having fun. Make sure you get sponsored because it's all to raise money for people with MS!
Sam’s dad, Damien adds: “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.”
Look out for Damien and Sam at the Engadine Start Line and make sure to say hi before, during or after your ride!
Thanks Sam and Damien for doing the 2025 MS Gong Ride together to Fight MS!
