MEET Sam Young
10 OCTOBER 2024
The youngest member of the Young Guns and highest youth fundraiser for the 2023 MS Gong Ride, Sam Young is ready to take on the challenge in support of his dad, Damien.
Damien was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at just 26 years old. He has taken part in the MS Gong Ride since 2009 and is excited to ride again, this time with his son. Read Damien’s story here.
Alongside his family, Sam has been cheering on his dad at the start and finish line of the MS Gong Ride since he was born, counting down each year until he can take part himself. 2024 will be the first year where Sam and Damien can ride together!
Sam has been training for years and even took part in the 2020 and 2021 Gong Ride Virtual to help him prepare for the real event when he was old enough. He has been riding to school and taking longer rides around his area for hill and endurance training.
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.
Sam is already asking friends and family to sponsor him, even making sure Damien and mum, Georgie, post about his ride on their social media. He has presented at his school about his fundraising, getting himself a place in their newsletter.
These are tried and true fundraising methods for Sam, who was the highest youth fundraiser for the 2023 MS Gong Ride, raising over $7,500 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. Despite the 2023 Ride unfortunately being rained out, when it was finally safe to do so, Sam, Damien, and the Young Guns completed a 55km make up ride on their own.
They cannot wait to finally be able to ride the course in all its glory alongside the rest of the Young Guns team in the 2024 MS Gong Ride.
Sam has a message to all his fellow riders:
Train hard and stick to your goals. Make sure you get sponsored because it's all to raise money for people with MS!
“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 your ride!
Thanks Sam and Damien for doing the 2024 MS Gong Ride together to Fight MS!
