Legendary Scots DJ in race against time after devastating brain tumour diagnosis
A Scots DJ behind one of the Glasgow's most iconic club nights 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 one half of the pioneering duo behind Optimo (Espacio), a staple of Glasgow's club scene for over two decades.
He recently revealed to supporters that he has been diagnosed with terminal glioblastoma, a fast-progressing and incurable form of brain cancer.
A fundraiser has now 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 now needs round-the-clock nursing care and has been moved into a private residential facility to ensure his safety and dignity, reports GlasgowLive.
"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, 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."
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The online fundraiser has already raised over £54,000.
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.
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