Crowdfunder for Optimo’s JD Twitch surpasses £90,000 following brain tumour diagnosis

Over £90,000 has been raised in support of JD Twitch of the DJ duo Optimo, following a terminal brain tumour diagnosis.

Twitch, whose real name is Keith McIvor, forms part of Optimo alongside JG Wilkes. He revealed his diagnosis earlier this July in a post on social media, in which he said his tumour was untreatable, and that his health had declined quickly over just a few weeks.

McIvor’s family went on to launch the Crowdfunder, which is run by his wife, Marissa, after they made the decision to move him to a private residential nursing facility, where he now receives 24-hour care. The condition has impacted McIvor’s “speech, mobility and his independence”.

The Crowdfunder page for McIvor states that professional second opinions about his diagnosis “have been sought”, but “while suggestions for medical interventions or alternative therapies have been gratefully received, it’s important to stress how advanced, inoperable, and untreatable this particular tumour is – and that we can’t be raising false hopes”.

However, the much-loved DJ is currently not in pain, and is “still present as the Keith we know and love”. Immediate plans for the funds raised include the continued funding of his private residential nursing care, plus additional support services including physiotherapy, speech & language therapy, counselling, plus ongoing transport and palliative care essentials.

The crowdfunder had an original target of £50,000, and at the time of writing, it currently sits at close to £95,000, with over 1,800 people having supported the fundraising efforts. NME reports that money over the donation goal will be split between various charities, including Glasgow NW Foodbank, the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, Brainstrust, and Crete’s Taki’s dog shelter.

An Optimo Music fundraising event featuring DJs from the Optimo Music label will also be taking place at the Queens Park Arena in Glasgow on 20 July. The event was originally planned by McIvor himself to raise funds for the Glasgow NW Foodbank, but will now also support his care and his family. Tickets are on sale now.

Rachel is a DIY musician who began learning guitar and keyboard from her bedroom at 14. She has written news and features for MusicTech since 2022, and also has bylines across Kerrang!, Guitar.com, and The Forty-Five. Though a lover of heavy music, her guilty pleasure is 2000s pop.