A FORMER Cambridge United striker has died aged 45 after a battle with MS.
The Us confirmed the sad news that Tom Youngs passed away on Sunday at a hospice in Bury St Edmunds.
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Youngs was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014 – 11 years after he left the club.
He spent six years in Cambridge’s first team from 1997 to 2003 – scoring 48 goals in 180 appearances – having joined the academy aged ten.
Youngs went on to have spells with Northampton, Leyton Orient, and Bury, playing for the Shakers while also studying a sports journalism degree.
He also played for Stafford Rangers, Cambridge City, St Albans City, Norwich United and Mildenhall Town – where he was a player and assistant manager.
Youngs was forced to retire in 2011 aged 32 due to a serious hip injury.
After hanging up his boots, the ex-footballer worked as an accountant for the brewery and pub company Greene King.
In 2013, he noticed problems with his vision while watching a match as Mildenhall assistant.
And the following year came his MS diagnosis.
Youngs is survived by his wife Chelle and two daughters.
Cambridge released a statement on Monday to announce the tragic news.
The League One club wrote: “The news of the death on Sunday of former Cambridge United forward Tom Youngs, at the tragically early age of 45, came as a shock to all connected with the club.
“Tom, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014, will be remembered as a gifted player who, with probing, darting runs, intelligent positioning and poise in front of goal, graced the Abbey Stadium between 1997 and 2003.
“He signed YTS terms in 1996 while staying on at school to study for A levels, but showed such promise that a year later, at the age of 17, he bypassed the rest of his YTS stint and signed a two-year professional contract.
“Rest in peace, Tom.”
What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex condition that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord.
It’s an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating (myelin) around nerve fibres.
This disrupts the flow of electrical signals and causes a range of symptoms that can vary wildly from person to person.
The good news? MS isn’t a death sentence, and with advances in treatment, many people live full and active lives.
In the UK, over 130,000 people are living with MS, and around 7,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.
It’s typically diagnosed in people in their 20s and 30s, with women three times more likely to develop it than men.
Despite its challenges, many with MS find strength and resilience they never thought possible.
Common symptoms of MS are:
- Fatigue: Not your average tiredness—this is bone-deep exhaustion.
- Vision problems: Blurred or double vision, or even temporary vision loss.
- Numbness and tingling: Often in the face, arms, or legs.
- Muscle weakness: Making everyday tasks feel like climbing a mountain.
- Mobility issues: Trouble walking or balancing.
- Cognitive difficulties: Memory lapses or a “foggy” brain.
- Spasms and stiffness: Muscles that just won’t cooperate.
- Bladder and bowel problems: A less glamorous but common challenge.
MS is unpredictable—you might have periods of remission where symptoms vanish, followed by flare-ups when they return.
This “on-again, off-again” nature can be frustrating and means people can be in anticipation of a flare.
While there’s no cure yet, treatments like disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and slow progression.
Fans and former team-mates took to social media to express their sorrow at Youngs’ passing and send best wishes and condolences to his family and loved ones.
One said: “Very sad to read this. Played with Tom at Bury & he was a nice, very likeable fella. Even when he was at Bury, I remember him speaking very fondly about his time at Cambridge and how much he loved it there.”
Another wrote: “That’s so sad. RIP Tom, thoughts with his family.”
A third added: “Absolutely devastated, you will always be in our hearts.”
A fourth replied: “A bright intelligent young man and a bloody good footballer that wore our shirt with pride… sleep well ‘Tommy Youngs’ once a U…”
And a final user commented: “That’s dreadful news – thoughts with his family and friends at this sad time.”
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