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Husband of iconic children's book author leaves huge £1.3million fortune to family after his death
Husband of iconic children's book author leaves huge £1.3million fortune to family after his death

Scottish Sun

time5 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Scottish Sun

Husband of iconic children's book author leaves huge £1.3million fortune to family after his death

A will he prepared in 2020 instructed that his fortune should be handed to his family LEGEND'S LEGACY Husband of iconic children's book author leaves huge £1.3million fortune to family after his death Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE BELOVED husband of Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson left a £1.3m fortune to his family, it has emerged. Dr Malcolm Donaldson was a paediatric consultant and senior lecturer in child health at the University of Glasgow until his retirement. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 The husband of author Julia Donaldson left a £1.3million fortune to his family Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd 3 Julia's bestselling children's books include The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child Credit: Getty The university later appointed him honorary senior research fellow at its School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing. He was married to Julia, whose children's books The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo's Child have been global best-sellers, for 52 years. He passed away aged 75 in September last year, and probate documents revealed he left an estate valued at £1,322,528. A will he prepared in 2020 instructed his fortune should be handed to his family. Julia is the author of over 184 published works and a former Children's Laureate. The Gruffalo was first published in 1999 and has sold more than 13.5m copies. The couple lived in the Glasgow suburb of Bearsden from 1987 until moving to Surrey in 2014. As a highly respected academic, Dr Donaldson wrote or contributed to more than 180 publications, papers and books. But he was also an accomplished actor, singer and guitarist who accompanied his wife to perform her songs and stories at festivals, schools, libraries and bookshops around the world. His younger patients also gave him the affectionate nickname Dr Gruffalo. Brits urged to 'look in loft' as 5 popular 90s toys could make you serious money Tributes were paid to Donaldson after his death. Axel Scheffler, who illustrated the Gruffalo books, 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, besides 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.' The British Society for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED) said: "His contributions will continue to resonate in the field of paediatric endocrinology and child health in the UK, Europe and beyond for many years to come. "His warmth, wisdom and gentle spirit will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew him."

Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili teacher wins Pearson Silver Award
Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili teacher wins Pearson Silver Award

South Wales Argus

time19-06-2025

  • General
  • South Wales Argus

Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili teacher wins Pearson Silver Award

Lynn Griffiths from Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili was honoured with a Silver Award in the Lifetime Achievement category at the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards. One of 93 educators, support staff, and institutions recognised across the UK, Mr Griffiths now has the chance to win the Gold Award, which will be announced later this year. Sir Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children's Laureate and president of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: "The dedication and impact of those involved in educating young people is truly remarkable. "Their influence extends well beyond the classroom - offering encouragement, inspiration, and unwavering support that can shape lives for years to come. "That's why National Thank a Teacher Day is an important opportunity to pause and celebrate all that they do. "I'm also delighted to be able to congratulate this year's Silver Award winners. "Your passion and commitment to shaping the next generation is extraordinary. "Thank you for the difference you make every single day." Mr Griffiths began his teaching career in 1993 and has remained at Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili ever since. He has held several senior roles including deputy headteacher, headteacher, Estyn-trained inspector, challenge advisor, school improvement partner, NPQH mentor, assessor and chair. The awards were announced in celebration of National Thank a Teacher Day. Sharon Hague, CEO of Pearson UK, said: "Every day, educators across the UK go above and beyond to inspire, support, and shape the future generation. "Today, we proudly recognise those making an extraordinary impact. "Our Silver Award winners represent the very best of the profession, and we're thrilled to celebrate their dedication and achievements. "Congratulations to all of this year's Silver winners." Bridget Phillipson, education secretary, also paid tribute to the teaching profession. Ms Phillipson said: "On Thank a Teacher Day, I want to celebrate the remarkable professionals who are the backbone of our education system. "Brilliant teachers make the single biggest difference to a child's education."

Children's Laureate calls for action over ‘indefensible' reading inequality
Children's Laureate calls for action over ‘indefensible' reading inequality

Wales Online

time21-05-2025

  • General
  • Wales Online

Children's Laureate calls for action over ‘indefensible' reading inequality

Children's Laureate calls for action over 'indefensible' reading inequality The author and screenwriter wants the "invisible privilege" of being read to from a young age to be turned into a "universal right" for all children. Waterstones Children's Laureate 2024-2026 Frank Cottrell-Boyce (Image: David Bebber ) Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce has called for urgent action to tackle "indefensible" reading inequality among young people. The author and screenwriter wants the "invisible privilege" of being read to from a young age to be turned into a "universal right" for all children. ‌ A report from Cottrell-Boyce and children's reading charity BookTrust has called for all children and families to have access to high-quality books that are "representative of the contemporary UK". ‌ The report – which will be launched on Wednesday at Edith Kerrison Nursery School and Children's Centre in London – added that training for early years practitioners should include skills for storytelling to ensure staff feel confident in sharing stories and showing parents how to read with their children. Cottrell-Boyce, known for the novels Framed and Millions, said: "Britain is not an equal society. 4.3 million children are growing up in poverty. "When I was named Waterstones Children's Laureate, I knew I wanted to use my position to campaign for these children, the ones that are being left behind. Article continues below "I started the Reading Rights campaign to highlight this indefensible inequality, but also to say that we can do something about it. "We have an astonishingly powerful tool in our hands – shared reading." The report comes after Cottrell-Boyce led a summit in Liverpool in January which brought together experts from the political, education, literacy, early years, arts and health sectors to recommend action. ‌ In the report's foreword, Cottrell-Boyce said: "Children who have not been given the vast invisible privilege of being read to will all too soon be parents themselves and, without support, will pass on that disadvantage to their children. "The task is urgent and vital, but it is also achievable and full of joy." He added: "I'm asking for Government support on a local and national level to make sure this simple, vital experience is available to all. ‌ "To help us remember who we really are – the storytelling species." Diana Gerald, chief executive of BookTrust, said: "It is our huge privilege to be working with Frank Cottrell-Boyce on the Reading Rights campaign, and with the extraordinary cross-sector coalition that has been involved in this work so far. "BookTrust has been working to get children and families reading for many decades, but we know that too many children are missing out on the immediate and lifelong benefits of early shared reading. ‌ "That's why, for BookTrust, this report is the next step on our journey to make early shared reading and storytelling an everyday part of all children's lives. "We want this report and campaign to unite us, inspire us and give focus to our shared commitment to improving children's lives." A Department for Education (DfE) spokeswoman said: "This Government is committed to breaking the unfair link between a child's background and what they can go on to achieve, and have set a clear milestone through the Plan for Change to ensure tens of thousands more children start school ready to learn. Article continues below "Supporting every child to become a confident reader is crucial for their development, wellbeing and life chances, which is why we are extending early language support, delivering thousands of new places in school-based nurseries, and providing support for parents with home learning through the Family Hubs and Start for Life programmes. "The Education Secretary has made clear that reading and writing are the cornerstones of learning, and we will continue to engage with experts across the sector as we build an early years system that gives every child the best start in life."

Children's Laureate calls for action over ‘indefensible' reading inequality
Children's Laureate calls for action over ‘indefensible' reading inequality

Powys County Times

time21-05-2025

  • General
  • Powys County Times

Children's Laureate calls for action over ‘indefensible' reading inequality

Children's Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce has called for urgent action to tackle 'indefensible' reading inequality among young people. The author and screenwriter wants the 'invisible privilege' of being read to from a young age to be turned into a 'universal right' for all children. A report from Cottrell-Boyce and children's reading charity BookTrust has called for all children and families to have access to high-quality books that are 'representative of the contemporary UK'. The report – which will be launched on Wednesday at Edith Kerrison Nursery School and Children's Centre in London – added that training for early years practitioners should include skills for storytelling to ensure staff feel confident in sharing stories and showing parents how to read with their children. Cottrell-Boyce, known for the novels Framed and Millions, said: 'Britain is not an equal society. 4.3 million children are growing up in poverty. 'When I was named Waterstones Children's Laureate, I knew I wanted to use my position to campaign for these children, the ones that are being left behind. 'I started the Reading Rights campaign to highlight this indefensible inequality, but also to say that we can do something about it. 'We have an astonishingly powerful tool in our hands – shared reading.' The report comes after Cottrell-Boyce led a summit in Liverpool in January which brought together experts from the political, education, literacy, early years, arts and health sectors to recommend action. In the report's foreword, Cottrell-Boyce said: 'Children who have not been given the vast invisible privilege of being read to will all too soon be parents themselves and, without support, will pass on that disadvantage to their children. 'The task is urgent and vital, but it is also achievable and full of joy.' He added: 'I'm asking for Government support on a local and national level to make sure this simple, vital experience is available to all. 'To help us remember who we really are – the storytelling species.' Diana Gerald, chief executive of BookTrust, said: 'It is our huge privilege to be working with Frank Cottrell-Boyce on the Reading Rights campaign, and with the extraordinary cross-sector coalition that has been involved in this work so far. 'BookTrust has been working to get children and families reading for many decades, but we know that too many children are missing out on the immediate and lifelong benefits of early shared reading. 'That's why, for BookTrust, this report is the next step on our journey to make early shared reading and storytelling an everyday part of all children's lives. 'We want this report and campaign to unite us, inspire us and give focus to our shared commitment to improving children's lives.' A Department for Education (DfE) spokeswoman said: 'This Government is committed to breaking the unfair link between a child's background and what they can go on to achieve, and have set a clear milestone through the Plan for Change to ensure tens of thousands more children start school ready to learn. 'Supporting every child to become a confident reader is crucial for their development, wellbeing and life chances, which is why we are extending early language support, delivering thousands of new places in school-based nurseries, and providing support for parents with home learning through the Family Hubs and Start for Life programmes. 'The Education Secretary has made clear that reading and writing are the cornerstones of learning, and we will continue to engage with experts across the sector as we build an early years system that gives every child the best start in life.'

FRANK COTTRELL-BOYCE: Some leaders divide us with extreme opinions, Pope Francis united us
FRANK COTTRELL-BOYCE: Some leaders divide us with extreme opinions, Pope Francis united us

Daily Mirror

time21-04-2025

  • General
  • Daily Mirror

FRANK COTTRELL-BOYCE: Some leaders divide us with extreme opinions, Pope Francis united us

For a thousand years Francis of Assisi has been probably the most popular saint on Earth, or in Heaven. Yet Jorge Bergoglio was the first pope ever to name himself after him. You can see why. Following in the footsteps of St Francis - great poet, environmentalist, leader, champion of the poor - that's quite a challenge to set yourself. It wasn't a challenge he expected to take on. But as soon as it became clear that he would be the next Pope, his friend Cardinal Hummes gave him a hug and whispered 'Don't forget the poor!' According to Jorge, as soon as he heard that, the name of Francis came into his mind. A few minutes later, he made that name his own. The original Francis embraced poverty and simplicity. Instead of travelling in papal limousines Pope Francis would tootle around Rome in an old Renault 4 given to him by a friend. Instead of living in the gorgeous Vatican apartments he settled down in a simple room in the St Marta guest house. Like St Francis he spoke out about the environment. His encyclical on 'our sister-mother the Earth' is - unlike a lot of papal documents - a cracking read. Written in the kind of direct, simple, passionate language that would make his namesake proud. But the language he spoke most fluently was the language of action. You did not need to be able to read to understand what he was saying when he washed the feet of prisoners, or rushed to spend time with asylum seekers and refugees. You didn't need to understand politics to grasp the significance of him kissing the feet of Sudan's warring leaders, or the fact that he face-timed the children who were trapped in the compound of the Church of the Holy Family Gaza. He did this every day, including Easter Sunday - the day before he died. A true papa. The message was simple - that love and mercy always come first. Preach, preach, preach - said St Francis - and only in the very last resort, use words. When great leaders die, we often list their best quotes. In Pope Francis obituaries it will not be his best words, but his actions that we'll remember. His greatest sermon was his life. He walked the walk. Perhaps his most Franciscan quality was his lightness of heart. He loved to laugh, joke and connect with people. If you included your phone number when you wrote to him, he would try to find time to call you. One of my own favourite moments is when he rang a convent and got no answer. He left a message. 'What are you nuns up to that you're too busy to speak to me? This is the Pope. Catch you later.' This is why this feels like such a loss. Because we knew him best not through his words but through his whole self. In an age when leaders seek to rule by dividing us with ever more extreme opinions, he united us by sharing us his own - flawed but always striving - humanity. * Frank Cottrell Boyce was born in Liverpool and is proud Catholic. He is the current Children's Laureate and has been known to feature saints and religious characters in his celebrated children's books, including the Carnegie Medal-winning Millions: The Not-So Great Train Robbery. He's also an award-winning TV and film screenwriter with credits as diverse as The London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony, Doctor Who, Woody Harrelson's Welcome to Sarajevo, Goodbye Christopher Robin, Netflix's The Beautiful Game and Colin Firth's The Railway Man.

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