Story
In loving memory of Keith McIvor (JD Twitch) | 1968–2025
Fundraising for the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence Scotland, in memory of Keith McIvor. Any funds raised in connection to this page will be allocated to advancing the development of new treatments for glioblastoma.
Keith was a much-loved husband, stepdad, brother, stepson, friend and mischief-maker. Known to many as JD Twitch, one half of Optimo and co-founder of Pure, he was a DJ, producer and a walking encyclopaedia of music, with an endless curiosity and passion for discovering, creating and sharing sounds across every imaginable genre, including Belgian New Beat!
He lived an incredibly full life, driven by creativity, kindness and a love of people, music, dogs and the world around him. Through music, he brought people together and created connections that reached far beyond the dancefloor. He packed more into his 57 years than many people manage in several lifetimes.
But in 2025, our lives changed with devastating speed.
In March, Keith was still travelling, DJing, walking at least ten miles every day and making plans for the future.
10 May 2025 – Keith played his final gig at Skye Live, unaware it would be his last. At that point, he was only beginning to feel slightly unwell.
20 June 2025 – We were told Keith had a Grade 4 glioblastoma (GBM), an aggressive and incurable brain tumour.
19 September 2025 – Keith died, just 13 weeks after his diagnosis.
In those few months, the tumour took away so much of his independence. He lost the ability to walk, communicate and do the ordinary things that had always been such an important part of who he was. Watching someone so full of life deteriorate so rapidly was heartbreaking.
We couldn't save Keith. But we hope that research can change what a glioblastoma diagnosis means for other people and their families.
Why we're fundraising
Brain tumours can affect anyone, at any age, and remain one of the biggest cancer killers of children and adults under 40. Yet research into brain tumours has historically received just a fraction of the funding allocated to other cancers.
We know first-hand how devastating glioblastoma (GBM) can be. In just a few short months, it robbed Keith of his independence, his health and ultimately his life, changing the lives of everyone who loved him in ways we could never have imagined.
Through the Keith McIvor Glioblastoma Research Fund, we want to support vital research here in Scotland, helping to improve early diagnosis, develop more effective treatments and ultimately find a cure. Just as importantly, we want to help improve quality of life for people living with this devastating disease, giving them and their loved ones more time, more choices and more hope.
Funds raised in Keith's memory will support the Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence Scotland, specifically advancing research into new treatments for glioblastoma.
The Centre is funded through a partnership between Brain Tumour Research and Beatson Cancer Charity, bringing together researchers from the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh to develop new treatments for brain tumours.
Watch this short video to learn more about the Centre and its work.
There is something particularly meaningful about supporting research connected to both Glasgow and Edinburgh, two cities that played such important roles in Keith's life and musical journey.
When Keith became ill, the extraordinary generosity of friends, family, artists, clubs and music lovers around the world helped us give him additional care, comfort and precious time together as a family. That kindness has continued to make a difference. From the donations raised during Keith's illness, we have committed £30,000 to kick-start this research fund in his memory.
Now, we hope to build on that generosity and create something lasting.
Help us continue Keith's legacy
Whether you knew Keith personally, danced to his music, discovered something new through him or simply want to support vital brain tumour research, every donation is appreciated.
We've already been overwhelmed by the extraordinary generosity of friends, family, artists, clubs and music lovers around the world. It's thanks to that kindness and support that we've been able to launch this fund in Keith's memory. We know so many people have already given generously, and there's absolutely no expectation to donate again, or to donate if you're unable to. Simply sharing this page, spreading the word and helping raise awareness of glioblastoma means a great deal to us too.
Every donation, share and show of support helps us continue Keith's legacy and our hope of making a difference to others facing this devastating disease.
This fund has been created with the love and support of Keith's sister Julie, his stepmother Elizabeth, and his close friend and long-time DJ partner Jonnie. Together, we hope to create something lasting in Keith's memory, providing a way for friends, artists, clubs and everyone whose lives he touched to support research that may help others facing glioblastoma.
Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to a future where people diagnosed with glioblastoma have better treatments, more time with their loved ones and, ultimately, hope for a cure.
The Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence will provide us with regular updates and impact reports, which we'll share with you so you can see how your generosity is supporting vital research and helping to shape the future of brain tumour treatment.
Thank you for being part of this journey, for supporting research that could change lives, and for helping us build a lasting legacy in Keith's memory.
With love and gratitude,
Marissa & Amelie, with the love and support of Julie, Elizabeth & Jonnie 💚
#Love2JDTwitch