HUNDREDS of people will gather in Renfrewshire next weekend to celebrate the 100th anniversary of W. H. Malcolm at the Donald Malcolm Memorial Ball. 

The ball will take place at the Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre in Brookfield on Saturday, December 4, where around 600 guests will help raise money for charity. 

Des Clarke, presenter on Heart FM’s drive-time show, will host the event, which will start at 6pm. 

He told The Gazette said: “I’m truly honoured and excited to be part of such a special event. 

“My job as host for the night is simple. Keep the audience entertained and help raise as much as possible for this amazing cause. I can’t wait!”

The ball was launched by Nicola Malcolm, granddaughter of Donald, after he passed away from cancer in 2003. This ball will be the fourth to take place, and it usually raises over £100,000 for charities.

This year, 80 per cent of the money fundraised will be donated to Beatson Cancer Charity, with 10 per cent going to Accord Hospice and another 10 per cent to St Vincent’s Hospice in Howwood.

The Gazette: Donald Malcolm and his granddaughter Nicola, who launched the ball in 2014Donald Malcolm and his granddaughter Nicola, who launched the ball in 2014

W. H. Malcolm began with one horse and cart 100 years ago in 1922 when Walter Hattrick Malcolm set out to deliver coal around the Renfrewshire area.

Walter passed away when his son Donald was nine years old, which meant he had to leave school at 13 years old and take over the business alongside his mother.

Donald went on to grow the business in the construction division, building up to around 55 trucks by 1960 when the business was then sold to Grampian Holdings PLC.

He then had a son called Andrew who, at 16 years old, became fully invested in the business which then led to him starting up the logistics division. This is now one of the leading operations in the UK. 

Donald was diagnosed with tongue cancer on his 60th birthday and was given six months to live. He fought for 18 years but passed away at the age of 78 after 17 operations. 

In 2005, Andrew led the business from public back into private hands and the business continues to be 100 per cent family owned.

Andrew Malcolm, CEO of The Malcolm Group, said: “We are honoured to be holding the 4th Donald Malcolm Ball this year in aid of 3 very worthwhile charities.

“After the past two years, it is lovely to have everyone back in the same room to celebrate not only my dad, but the launch of our 100 years.

“We are very much looking forward to celebrating with everyone and I know Nicola has a fantastic night planned.”