FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“The Beat of Your Heart” Concert in Memory of Brave Baby Mila Raises 5,900 Euros for Charity

A host of Irish musicians came together at the Scientology Community Centre in Dublin to celebrate the courage of the little girl with songs inspired by Mila herself.

Some of Ireland’s most talented folk bands and musicians came together on Saturday, 25 June, to create an unforgettable night of music raising 5,930 Euros (£5,080) for the Children’s Health Foundation Dublin and the Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Belfast. 

Ross Donegan, known as Ross D, joined songwriter Thomas Goulding and hosts Sharon Clancy and Stephen Leeson to share his personal motivation to participate in “The Beat of Your Heart” charity fundraising concert at the Scientology Community Centre in Dublin in memory of brave baby Mila.
Ross Donegan, known as Ross D, joined songwriter Thomas Goulding and hosts Sharon Clancy and Stephen Leeson to share his personal motivation to participate in “The Beat of Your Heart” charity fundraising concert at the Scientology Community Centre in Dublin in memory of brave baby Mila.

“The Beat of Your Heart” charity fundraiser was held as part of the Stephen Leeson Show, broadcast live from the Scientology Community Centre in Dublin. The event received nearly 8,000 views that night and in the following days, with donations from all over Ireland and from around the world in support of the cause.

Mila’s parents, hosts, performers and volunteers at the Scientology Community Centre in Dublin.
Mila’s parents, hosts, performers and volunteers at the Scientology Community Centre in Dublin.

The initiative was organised in memory of baby Mila. Born to the Goulding family in Mountfield, Northern Ireland, two years ago, Mila spent four unforgettable days with them before she passed away. She had already developed physical problems during the pregnancy and had little chance to survive birth. But she fought to take her first breath, to hold the hands of her parents and to leave a lasting trace in their lives.

Mila’s courage and unbreakable spirit inspired her father, Thomas Goulding, to write a poem for her to begin with, then a song and another one. And he just kept writing ever since. Today Thomas is known as a songwriter for some of the best Irish folk bands.

“Mila’s the inspiration behind every word and I can honestly feel her guiding me”, Thomas said. “She fought and beat all the odds to spend 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”.

Gaelic Brew was more than happy to be part of the concert.
Gaelic Brew was more than happy to be part of the concert.
Steve Farrell, Phelim Warren and Ciaran Warfield from Catalpa came on board for the cause.
Steve Farrell, Phelim Warren and Ciaran Warfield from Catalpa came on board for the cause.
All Folk’d Up gave a stellar performance on the night.
All Folk’d Up gave a stellar performance on the night.

When the idea to organise a fundraiser in memory of Mila was born, Thomas brought on board a number of bands and musicians who have been performing his songs. The lineup on the night included All Folk’d Up, Ross D, David Whelan, Gaelic Brew, Catalpa, The Invincibles and Rory and the Island. The atmosphere was incredible as every participant felt a personal connection to the cause.

The event was produced and executed by volunteers at the Scientology Community Centre in Dublin as part of the Stephen Leeson Show—an initiative giving a platform to and supporting musicians during the pandemic.

“The Beat of Your Heart” was hosted by Stephen Leeson—singer and songwriter—and Sharon Clancy—TV and radio presenter—with special guests Thomas and Colleen Goulding.

For anyone who missed the live event, we warmly recommend you see it online at https://bit.ly/Beat-of-Your-Heart-Event. It is a special experience!

The Church of Scientology and Community Centre in Firhouse was established in 2017 as a hub for local activities and events, in keeping with Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard’s intention that all Scientology organisations are to serve as a home for the entire community and a meeting ground for cooperative efforts. Working side by side with all denominations and other groups on civic and humanitarian initiatives to strengthen the community, the Church and Community Centre facilities—1,000-seat auditorium, meeting rooms, café and football pitch—are available to community groups and charitable organisations who share the goal of a peaceful and cooperative society. In 1956, L. Ron Hubbard lived in Dublin with offices in Merrion Square, where he launched humanitarian initiatives which continue to flourish throughout the world today. “If the weather is cold, the Irish heart is warm. The country and the people could not be improved upon”, he wrote.