Latest news with #Keith McIvor
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fundraiser gig announced for Glasgow DJ diagnosed with untreatable brain tumour
A GIG to raise money for a legendary DJ who was diagnosed with an untreatable brain tumour is set to take place this weekend. Keith McIvor, also known as JD Twitch – one half of the Glasgow duo Optimo – announced his diagnosis last week, saying that he will be prioritising spending time with his family. Writing on Instagram, he said: 'Over the past few weeks I have received lots of enquiries about my health having missed several gigs since being admitted to the hospital. Glasgow clubbing duo Optimo 'Following extensive tests I've been diagnosed with a brain tumour and I have been told my condition is untreatable. As you can imagine, I am currently trying to process this news and prioritising spending precious time with the people I love. 'I know this may be difficult news to receive through social media, and I'm sorry if it feels sudden or impersonal.' READ MORE: Trump Organisation hold talks to discuss Open returning to Turnberry A crowdfunder to raise money for McIvor's ongoing care and access to therapies to manage and ease his symptoms was launched by his family. It has surpassed its initial target of £50,000 since it was launched, raising more than £87,500 at the time of writing. His family said the fundraiser would continue to stay open amid the "uncertainty" around the full extent of care costs. Any excess funds from the fundraiser will be shared equally between four causes: Glasgow NW Foodbank, the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, Brains Trust and Taki's Shelter in Crete. And on Wednesday, it was announced that a special live music event will take place this weekend at Queen's Park Arena to raise further funds. The event, taking place in collaboration with Optimo Music, will take place on Sunday and will feature sets from Tony Morris, Semispecific Ensemble and GK Machine. Originally planned by McIvor himself as a fundraiser for Glasgow NW Foodbank, the event will now also support his ongoing treatment and care. The portion of proceeds initially intended for the foodbank will still be donated as planned. Tickets begin at £0.50 and are available via the Skiddle website. There are also ticket options with a £5 or £10 donation included. READ MORE: Dress worn by Outlander character goes on display in Scottish filming location Commenting, Chet Capkiner, director of inhouse CIC at Queens Park Arena, said: "Optimo has been our spiritual home for so many of us for decades. Keith's presence and influence changed many lives – including mine. "This is a chance for us to return that care and energy, and to support him and his family when it matters most. A true musical mentor and inspiration to us all." Glasgow clubbing duo Optimo (Image: Matthew Arthur Williams) Along with Jonnie Wilkes, McIvor ran Optimo Espacio, regarded as one of the city's most loved club nights, for 13 years between 1997 and 2010 at the legendary Sub Club venue. Originally from Edinburgh, he moved to Glasgow to attend university, and began to DJ at the same time. McIvor's Optimo club nights went on to establish a reputation for its eclectic music and became one of Scotland's most popular club nights. The duo continued to DJ, playing festivals and gigs around the world, but McIvor's condition meant that he was unable to play at Optimo's recent shows, including their own festival, Watching Trees.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Legendary Edinburgh DJ in race against time after devastating brain tumour diagnosis
A Scottish DJ is facing the fight of his life after being diagnosed with an 'extremely serious' brain tumour. Keith McIvor – best known to fans as JD Twitch – is a former Edinburgh resident and played at the legendary Pure club in the city in the 1990s. He recently revealed to his supporters that he has been diagnosed with terminal glioblastoma, a fast-progressing and incurable form of brain cancer. READ MORE: Edinburgh city centre restaurant at risk of closure as chain 'put up for sale' READ MORE: Edinburgh's St James Quarter worker alleges 'fraud and health and safety' issues Now a fundraiser has been launched to help cover the 56-year-old's urgent care needs as the disease begins to take its toll on his speech, mobility and independence. Keith's family say he needs round-the-clock nursing care now and has been moved into a private residential facility to ensure his safety and dignity, reports Glasgow Live. "This gives him a safe, supportive environment while we continue to explore the best long-term setting for his care," the crowdfunder states. In a heartfelt update on his condition, his friends and family wrote: "While Keith's condition is extremely serious and likely to progress quickly, he's not currently in pain, can communicate well with patience, and is still present as the Keith we know and love. "He can now connect to those most important to him in a better environment – with a determined group of friends and family around him, ready to do whatever we can to help him with what he wants and needs. "This new living environment is unlikely to be necessary for a long time, but obviously we can't know exactly how long it will be at this stage. "We still hope that Keith can look forward to many happy days ahead, in comfort and with his loved ones, to live out the remainder of his life in dignity and conscious of all the support and good vibes flowing toward him for as long as possible. "Navigating this situation has been incredibly hard for Keith's family — especially his wife, who lives with serious long-term health issues that affect the care she's able to provide. "We've held off to examine all options, but now believe this crowdfunder is the best way to channel people's goodwill in a concrete, transparent way and show them they can make a direct impact. "It's also the easiest route for us to keep everyone regularly updated about Keith's progress, as we focus our energies on doing the best for him that we can in the remaining time that he has left." The online fundraiser has already raised over £83,000. Donations will go toward paying for Keith's residential care, as well as vital physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, counselling and accessible transport. Organisers say access to many of these services through the NHS or charities is 'limited.' The crowdfunder adds: "Keith thanks you for all of your kind words and support, and we'll continue to strive to do the very best for him at every stage, as he moves forward in his journey." You can support the appeal for Keith, here. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community her e and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Over £20K raised for Glasgow DJ legend after 'untreatable' brain tumour diagnosis
A crowdfunder has been launched to support legendary Glasgow DJ Keith McIvor, better known as JD Twitch, as he faces a terminal brain tumour diagnosis. Keith, one half of the pioneering DJ duo Optimo, was recently diagnosed with glioblastoma—an aggressive, inoperable and untreatable form of brain cancer. His condition has rapidly progressed, affecting his speech, mobility, and independence, and he now requires 24-hour nursing care. READ MORE: Glasgow DJ Keith McIvor has reveals brain tumour battle The fundraiser was created in response to a wave of messages from friends, fans and supporters worldwide, many of whom have asked how they can help. While Keith's family and close friends emphasise they expect nothing, the campaign is offering a way for supporters to make a direct impact in his final weeks. The organisers explain: 'We've held off to explore every option. "But now believe this crowdfunder is the most concrete and transparent way to channel people's goodwill.' The fundraiser has so far surpassed the halfway mark of their goal with a current total of £26,738. The family made the difficult decision to move Keith into a private residential nursing facility. This environment currently offers him the best quality of life, with full support from his GP. While still able to communicate with patience and support, and not in pain, Keith is now extremely vulnerable, unable to walk unaided and dependent on others for his safety and care. READ MORE: Still Game icon spotted at TRNSMT – and was buzzing to see this one huge act Efforts are still being made to explore alternative accommodation with a full care package, but organisers say that establishing this in time has been stressful, complex, and logistically challenging. The fundraiser's initial goal is to support 8 to 12 weeks of respite care. Immediate funding will go towards: Private nursing care, where Keith is currently being looked after. Physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and counselling; Accessible transport, equipment, and other palliative care essentials. If funds allow, future support may include: Setting up accessible private accommodation; Securing a long-term full private care package; Exploring non-NHS treatment options, should any viable therapies emerge. Organisers also stress that 20% income tax and platform fees apply to all donations, as this is a personal fundraiser rather than a registered charity campaign. The crowdfunder highlights the emotional and practical toll on Keith's family, especially his wife, who lives with her own serious long-term health conditions and has cancelled major surgery to remain by his side. The campaign states: 'Navigating this situation has been incredibly hard. 'We know we're fortunate to even have private care as an option and realise this is a very privileged position to be in. "We're painfully aware that access to safe, appropriate end-of-life care is often out of reach for so many families — and we believe this is a failing of the system, not of those needing care.' READ MORE: Nearly 10 roads to close for 'extra special' event taking place in Glasgow Keith McIvor is best known for helping shape Glasgow's electronic music scene over two decades through Optimo and their legendary Sub Club night. Known for his fearless musical experimentation and community-driven ethos, Keith remains a beloved figure in the global music scene. If more money is raised than needed, the remaining balance will be donated equally to causes close to Keith's heart: Glasgow NW Foodbank Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER) Brains Trust Taki's Shelter, an animal rescue organisation in Crete The crowdfunding concluded: 'We still hope that Keith can look forward to many happy days ahead. 'In comfort and with his loved ones — to live out the remainder of his life in dignity, surrounded by support and good vibes flowing toward him.' The fundraising page can be found here.
