Couple’s fundraiser in memory of inspirational Mila

BY EMMET McELHATTON
e.mcelhatton@ulsterherald.com

A MOUNTFIELD couple who lost their baby daughter just four days after her birth two years ago have organised a special concert in her memory, featuring some of Ireland’s best folk acts.

Little Mila Goulding passed away on July 1, 2019, leaving her parents, Thomas and Colleen, heartbroken.

But her legacy lives on and will be heard in the voices of some of the country top folk musicians tomorrow (Friday) night, when ‘The Beat of Your Heart’ gig goes live from Dublin, honouring Mila’s memory and raising money for two children’s charities close to her parents’ hearts.

Well-known Tyrone band, All Folk’d Up, will appear on the bill, alongside Philip Noone, Gaelic Brew, The Invincibles and more artists.

In addition to three tunes from their usual setlists, each act will be doing a rendition of one of Thomas’ songs, the first of which he began writing to help him process the tragedy of Mila’s passing.

Thomas said, “Mila’s the inspiration behind every word I write and I can honestly feel her guiding me.”

He continued, “She fought and beat all the odds to spend those four days with us. The strength and courage she showed will inspire me in everything I do for the rest of my life.

“She was amazing and we feel blessed that she gave us those four days with her.”

Thomas’ songs began life as verses on the page – beautiful raw lyrics that transfigured his pain into distinctly Irish poetry.

“I sent a few songs to people such as Philip Noone, and they gave me a bit of encouragement, telling me that I had something
and swearing the songs touched them.”

What began as self-therapy quickly gathered momentum when Thomas, who was initially sceptical that the praise was just politeness, began gaining confidence and writing more songs.

“I just kept writing and following the natural pull of subjects that interested me – I’ve more than a dozen songs now.”

The name ‘Beat of your Heart’ comes from a line from ‘Mila’s Song’.

It will go live tomorrow at 7pm on The Stephen Leeson Show page on Facebook, streaming from the Scientology Community Centre in Dublin.

It will be hosted by Thomas, along with Stephen Leeson. The charities are The Children’s Health Foundation in Dublin and The Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Belfast.

Join some of Ireland’s most talented folk bands and musicians all coming together to remember the short, but special life of Mila, and raise money for these two invaluable children’s charities.

A donation box with be available on screen throughout the gig.