It has been disclosed that the late husband of Julia Donaldson, the author of The Gruffalo, bequeathed a £1.3 million inheritance to his relatives.
Dr. Malcolm Donaldson served as a pediatric consultant and senior lecturer in child health at the University ofGlasgow until his retirement.
He passed away at the age of 75 on September 22.
Loved by the children at the city’s Royal Hospital for Children, Dr Gruffalo was recognized for his ‘kindness and commitment’.
He was married to the infamous children’s writer, whose books The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child have remained worldwide bestsellers for 52 years.
After his passing, official probate records showed that his estate was worth £1,322,528, and a will he created in 2020 specified that his wealth should go to his relatives.
Dr. Donaldson encountered the acclaimed writer and former Children’s Laureate at Bristol University in 1968, during his time studying medicine and her studies in drama and French.
The couple resided in the Bearsden neighborhood of Glasgow from 1987 until they relocated to Surrey in 2014.
Being a well-regarded scholar, Dr. Donaldson authored or participated in over 180 publications, articles, and books.
Yet he was also a skilled actor, singer, and guitarist who supported his wife by performing her songs and sharing her stories at festivals, schools, libraries, and bookstores across the globe.
Expressions of remembrance were shared following Donaldson’s passing.
Axel Scheffler, the artist behind the Gruffalo series, stated: ‘I have been acquainted with Malcolm for 30 years and have consistently respected his passion for our books, Julia’s contributions, and children’s literature as a whole.’
‘All of this in addition to being a pediatric consultant and delivering speeches around the globe.
His genuine love was performing alongside Julia on stage, strumming the guitar and acting — particularly his famous smooth portrayal of the Fox in *The Gruffalo*.
He is going to be greatly missed.
The British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED) stated: ‘His work will keep influencing the area of pediatric endocrinology and children’s health in the UK, Europe, and further afield for many years to come.’
His warmth, knowledge, and kind nature will be greatly missed but always remembered by everyone who knew him.
