Over £50,000 raised for Optimo DJ Keith McIvor after brain tumour diagnosis

Over £50,000 has been raised for JD Twitch, one half of legendary Glasgow clubbing duo Optimo, after he revealed he had been diagnosed with an untreatable brain tumour.

Having missed several gigs, Keith McIvor posted news of his glioblastoma diagnosis on social media early in July and received floods of support from fans.

A fundraiser, created by his wife Marissa in response to a wave of messages from supporters worldwide, has been launched.

“After so many kind messages from friends and fans around the world asking how to help, we’re launching a Crowdfunder to support Keith’s urgent needs,” she wrote.

Scotland

Optimo DJ diagnosed with untreatable brain tumour

Keith McIvor, also known as JD Twitch, revealed his diagnosis on Thursday morning.

It revealed that Keith’s condition has rapidly progressed, affecting his speech, mobility, and independence, and he now requires 24-hour nursing care.

The funds raised will go directly towards McIvor’s private residential nursing care, additional support services, and essentials for ongoing transport and palliative care.

The fundraiser has so far surpassed the mark of their goal with a current total of £52,327.

Any additional donations will be split between causes close to Keith’s heart, including Glasgow NW Foodbank, the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, Brainstrust, and Crete’s Taki’s dog shelter.

An update shared alongside the appeal reads: “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.

“Thank you for helping us make sure Keith is looked after with dignity and love.”

You can donate to Keith’s fundraiser here.

McIvor is best known for helping shape Glasgow’s electronic music scene over two decades after launching Optimo (Espacio) with JG Wilkes as a weekly Sunday-night event in Glasgow’s Sub Club in 1997.

It went on to build a reputation for its expansive music and became one of Scotland’s most popular club nights, before coming to an end in 2010.