'He will be deeply missed': Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson's doctor husband Malcolm dies aged 75

Malcolm Donaldson - the husband of award-winning author Julia - has died aged 75.

The doctor, who died on Sunday, had worked as a paediatric consultant and senior lecturer in child health at the University of Glasgow from 1989 until his retirement in 2012.

He contributed to more than 180 publications, papers and books as a renowned academic, and had been appointed honorary senior research fellow at Glasgow University’s School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing.

Author and playwright Julia Donaldson with her husband Malcolm after she was awarded an MBE for her services to literature by Queen Elizabeth II during an Investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace in 2011. Picture: John Stillwell - WPA/Getty Images | Getty Images

Nicknamed ‘Dr Gruffalo’ by some of his patients due to his kind manner, Dr Donaldson was also known as an actor, singer and guitar player. He had performed in The Gruffalo, the Witch and the Warthog as recently as earlier this summer.

He first met Julia Donaldson - the renowned children’s author of titles including The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child and Room on the Broom - in 1968 at the University of Bristol while he was studying medicine.

The couple would go on to be married for 52 years.

Gruffalo book illustrator Axel Scheffler said: “I have known Malcolm for 30 years and always admired his enthusiasm for our books, Julia’s work and children’s books in general.

"All this beside being a paediatric consultant and giving lectures all over the world.

"His true passion was performing with Julia on stage, playing the guitar and acting – especially his legendary suave role of the Fox in The Gruffalo. He will be deeply missed.”