Remembering Malcolm Noble, Chair and Champion of FCS

We are saddened by the recent loss of Malcolm Noble, our former Chair and dedicated Ambassador. As a team, we are reflecting on his passion and commitment to our work with deep gratitude. 

Malcolm’s wife, Sarah has given permission for us to share a tribute to Malcolm. To Sarah and the rest of Malcolm’s family and loved ones: we are deeply sorry for your loss.  

Malcolm’s connection to Forces Children Scotland began in 2008, when he first got involved with our work, then based in London. He went on to play a significant role in the charity from 2008 to 2022, becoming a Trustee and then Chairperson of the Board, a role he held for over eleven years. Our cause was a deeply personal one for Malcolm: his own father had served, and that pride ran through everything he did for the children and families we support. 

Under his leadership, we grew into the charity we are today: a Scotland-based organisation delivering not only education supports and grants but a range of health and wellbeing support, participation, activities, and influencing. The move to Scotland was Malcolm’s vision, and we’re indebted to him for this legacy.  

Our CEO Steven Sweeney reflected: “Having met Malcolm when I joined FCS eighteen months ago, I came to admire him greatly. He was someone who gave a great deal to our work, and I appreciate the trust he placed in this team to carry it forward. I feel fortunate to have known him. My thoughts, and those of the whole team, are with his family at this difficult time. He will be missed.” 

Harvey Tilley, our Trustee and Co-Chair, shared: “Malcolm’s presence was larger than life in FCS and I was conscious of his living legacy when I took over as a Co-Chair of the charity. Since then, I have met Malcolm numerous times both online and in person where he spent his valuable time passing on his extensive knowledge of our organisation. He is a generous, passionate and committed individual who spent his whole life improving educational outcomes of young people.  Malcolm was a thoroughly decent human being, and his loss will be felt by many. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.” 

In the last four years, Malcolm served as an Ambassador for FCS, continuing to advocate and fundraise for our work, and even representing us at the Aberdeen Kiltwalk.  

A kind and selfless man, Malcolm remained a passionate supporter of babies, children and young people from Armed Forces families throughout his life. Malcolm will be missed by many, and our thoughts are with his family and all who knew and loved him. 

Hear Malcolm in his own words: “My message to children and young people is that while you should listen to the words of adults — in family, in school, or in clubs — and take account of what they say, in the end, make up your own mind about what you want to do.”