A Wigan borough teen turns heartbreak into charity single in memory of her brother
A Wigan borough teenager has found solace in song writing four years after she said goodbye to her brother, and it has now dropped on major streaming platforms including Amazon and Apple Music.
Millie Simpson, 13, of Leigh, has written and professionally recorded a charity single, Spirit in the Silence, which is inspired by her brother, Link, who died after a battle with cancer aged four in 2022.
Released on what the family calls “Link’s Day”, the song is much more than just a tribute – Millie hopes it will raise vital funds for Derian House, the Chorley children’s hospice that cared for her brother.
“I wanted the song to feel like it belongs to anyone,” said Millie, who lives with her mum Clare, dad Bradly, and sister Sophie.
The track is aimed at anyone navigating loss or heartbreak, and Millie deliberately left her brother’s name out of the lyrics so listeners can interpret the song in their own way.
“While I have dedicated this song to Link, I hope that others listening feel as though they can resonate with it – whether they have lost someone they love, or have suffered heartbreak,” continued Millie.
“I’ve always written songs and I’ve always loved music. I’ve been inspired a lot by K-pop. I’d love to keep creating more songs, and maybe one day an album.
“I began writing Spirit in the Silence a few years ago as I was inspired by my brother Link. I picked it back up again around a year ago, and we got in touch with a recording studio. We played around with the song to get it to where it is now, and I am so happy with the finished version. Whether you’ve lost someone or just need a little hope, I hope it can help you through the silence.”
Millie’s song will be available to purchase on Amazon Music and Apple Music from today. The track has been produced by Neil Treppas at Artist sounds recording studio Chorley, near Bolton, who has worked with artists including Brit Award winners, Steps, and X Factor’s Laura White.
Millie isn’t the only one in her family hoping to raise funds for the hospice this year – her mother, Clare Simpson, will trek 30 miles across the Sahara Desert for Derian House in November.
Clare said: “Proud is not a strong enough word to describe how I feel about Millie. She is incredibly bright, talented, and creative in so many different ways. We hope that her song reaches far and wide, and that other people can resonate with the lyrics. Link loved life, and he would be proud that Millie is doing something she loves.
“Derian House supported us when Link passed away. They gave us the opportunity to say goodbye to him in our own unique way. Without supporters raising funds, the hospice wouldn’t be able to do what they do for families like ours.”
Kerry Salmon, Community Fundraiser at Derian House, said: “We were lucky enough to hear Millie’s song first and we are absolutely blown away. We think it’s fantastic that she would like to donate the proceeds to help children and families at Derian House.”
“Spirit in the Silence” is now available on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and other major streaming platforms.