I, Nicola (Donald’s Granddaughter) came up with the idea for the Donald Malcolm Memorial ball when attending Ronan Keating’s Emerald and Ivy Ball in London which he holds every year in memory of his mum. At that time it had been 10 years since Grandpa has passed away and I felt it was apt to do something not only to keep his memory alive, but also to support all the wonderful charities that helped give him those extra 18 years.

Grandpa was diagnosed with cancer on his 60th birthday and given 6 months to live. 18 years later and after 17 operations it finally defeated him in May 2003. I feel so very fortunate he managed to fight the illness for so long, as had he not beaten the 6 months he was given I would not have known him. Thankfully I got to enjoy 16 amazing years with him and have so many special memories of him. He was an incredible man known very well throughout the road haulage industry.

The first Donald Malcolm Memorial Ball was held just under 10 years ago in the Donald Malcolm Heritage and I cannot believe how much it has grown. It has been such fun pulling all my ideas together and launching a new theme each time. The fundraising is by far the most rewarding part of holding this event, with the following figures being achieved over the years: 

•    2014 raising £85,000 for CRUK. 
•    2017 it raised £115,000 for the Beatson Cancer Charity
•    2019 it raised £150,000 for Beatson Cancer Charity and Maggies Centres 
•    2021 it raised £250,000 for Beatson Cancer Charity along with the Accord Hospice and St Vincent’s Hospice.

Guest numbers have grown from 300 at the first event, to 600+ at the 2021 ball to 740 this year which is just so exciting.

The support over the years has been incredible through so many loyal sponsors, guests, auction donations to name a few. I would like to thank everyone who has supported the ball in the past and also to those who will all be joining us again this year. We could not do it without your support. 

We look forward to welcoming you to what I hope will be another fantastic night and I would just like to say thank you, once again. 

Nicola x