(Updated: February 6, 2026)
Julia Donaldson, the beloved creator of The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, and countless other childhood classics, has enchanted millions of readers worldwide with her playful rhymes and imaginative stories. Behind many of those magical tales stood her husband, Malcolm Donaldson — a devoted partner, talented performer, and respected paediatrician who quietly shaped both her personal life and creative journey for over five decades.
Sadly, Malcolm passed away in September 2024, leaving behind a legacy that blended medicine, music, and family love. In this post, we take a closer look at who Malcolm Donaldson was, how he met Julia, and the beautiful partnership that helped bring some of the world’s most cherished children’s books to life.
Table of Contents
How Julia Donaldson Met Her Husband Malcolm
The love story began back in the late 1960s at the University of Bristol. Julia was studying Drama and French, while Malcolm was training in Medicine. They met in 1968, quickly bonding over shared passions for music, performance, and adventure.
- Both played guitar and loved singing
- They busked together across Europe, including memorable trips to Paris and the Avignon Festival
- With friend Maureen Purkis, they performed Beatles songs, show tunes, and Julia’s own compositions in cafés and streets
After graduating, the couple continued their musical adventures. They even toured the United States by Greyhound bus, busking in cities like Seattle and San Francisco. This creative, free-spirited phase laid the foundation for Julia’s future as a songwriter and storyteller — and Malcolm was always by her side, strumming along.
They tied the knot in 1972 and went on to build a life filled with art, family, and mutual support.
Malcolm Donaldson’s Career: The Doctor Behind “Dr Gruffalo”
While Julia’s name became famous in the world of children’s literature, Malcolm carved out an impressive career of his own in medicine.
He became a consultant paediatrician and senior lecturer in child health at the University of Glasgow, where he worked until retiring in 2012. Later, the university honored him as an honorary senior research fellow.
Patients affectionately nicknamed him “Dr Gruffalo” because of his warm, kind manner — and, of course, his connection to Julia’s famous character. Colleagues and tributes described him as:
- A highly respected doctor and academic
- A brilliant teacher who inspired many in paediatrics
- A compassionate man who truly cared about children’s wellbeing
Even after retirement, Malcolm stayed active in Julia’s world — performing on stage, playing guitar, and helping bring her stories to life at festivals, schools, and events around the globe.
Their Partnership — From Busking to Bestsellers
Malcolm wasn’t just Julia’s husband; he was her creative collaborator and biggest supporter.
The couple recorded two albums of songs together: First Fourteen (1977) and Second Fourteen (2006). Malcolm frequently joined Julia for live performances, acting in adaptations like The Gruffalo, the Witch and the Warthog, and even appearing alongside her in story-time videos (remember the charming Smeds and Smoos reading?).
Julia has often credited Malcolm with inspiring her imaginative writing. Their shared love of rhythm, rhyme, and performance shines through in her books.
Here’s a quick overview of key facts about their life together:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Meeting Year | 1968 (University of Bristol) |
| Marriage Year | 1972 |
| Marriage Length | 52 years |
| Children | Three sons |
| Malcolm’s Profession | Consultant Paediatrician & Senior Lecturer |
| Retirement Year | 2012 (University of Glasgow) |
| Nickname among patients | Dr Gruffalo |
| Date of Passing | September 22, 2024 |
| Age at Passing | 75 |
| Cause (reported) | Cancer |
Their partnership was a true meeting of minds — medicine and magic, science and stories.
A Loving Legacy and Heartfelt Goodbye
Malcolm Donaldson passed away on September 22, 2024, at the age of 75 after battling cancer. The news touched fans, authors, illustrators, and the children’s book world deeply.
Tributes poured in from publishers like Pan Macmillan, illustrator Axel Scheffler, and many others who remembered him as generous, enthusiastic, and endlessly supportive. His funeral took place in October 2024 in Steyning, West Sussex, where the couple had lived since 2014.
In 2025, it was reported that Malcolm left a £1.3 million estate to his family — a quiet reflection of a life well-lived.
Conclusion
Julia Donaldson’s husband, Malcolm Donaldson, was far more than “the man behind the author.” He was a gifted doctor, a talented musician, a loving father, and a joyful collaborator who helped bring magic to generations of children.
Though he is no longer here, his influence lives on — in the rhythm of Julia’s verses, the laughter at story times, and the countless families who still read The Gruffalo at bedtime. Their story reminds us that the best partnerships are built on shared dreams, mutual respect, and a little bit of music along the way.
Thank you, Malcolm, for everything.
(Last updated: February 6, 2026)