Niamh Jobson's Legacy: New Fund Established for Osteosarcoma Research

A new research fund has been established in memory of Niamh Jobson, a 22-year-old Glasgow DJ who succumbed to osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer. Jobson, known for her vibrant contributions to the city's club scene, passed away in January 2023 after a prolonged battle with the illness that included numerous rounds of chemotherapy and the amputation of her leg. Her family has initiated the Niamh Jobson Research Fund to support research into innovative treatments for osteosarcoma, which predominantly affects adolescents and young adults.

Niamh Jobson was born in Hong Kong and spent part of her formative years on the Isle of Eigg before moving to Glasgow, where her passion for music flourished. She performed at esteemed venues, including the Sub Club and participated in the Kelburn Garden Party festival. Despite her illness, Niamh continued to DJ, driven by her belief that engaging in her art was essential for her well-being. Her mother, Jackie Jobson, remarked, "Even when she was in severe pain, she still went out and performed DJ sets. She always said, 'if I don’t do it, that’ll be even worse.'"

The Jobson family is now committed to ensuring that Niamh's spirit lives on through the fund, which aims to address the stagnation in osteosarcoma treatment options—a situation described by her brother Finn as unchanged for over 40 years. "The treatment hasn’t changed in like 40-50 years. All patients do is just go through chemotherapy for ages and then end up having to amputate limbs," Finn stated, expressing hope that the fund will lead to groundbreaking advancements in treatment.

The Niamh Jobson Research Fund will operate under the auspices of the Bone Cancer Research Trust, contributing to international research efforts focused on osteosarcoma. Finn expressed the family's ambition, stating, "Our goal now is to completely change the trajectory of osteosarcoma research. We’re going to go global with it."

To mark the launch of the fund, a special event is scheduled for Saturday at Glasgow's SWG3, featuring a lineup of DJs who were close to Niamh, including Kairogen, Danny Greenman, and Timescape. This musical tribute aims to carry forward the legacy of Niamh's unique sound and passion for music.

In addition to the fund, the Jobson family has established "Niamh Day," celebrated monthly on the 22nd to honor her memory. This date holds special significance as Niamh was born on January 22 and passed away at the age of 22. Her mother explained the intention behind Niamh Day: "It just felt right, like a natural anchor point for people to focus on something positive in their life."

The establishment of the Niamh Jobson Research Fund represents not only a tribute to a beloved figure in Glasgow’s music scene but also a critical step toward advancing research and treatment options for osteosarcoma, potentially benefiting countless young patients in the future. As the family and friends rally around this initiative, they hope to inspire change and improve outcomes for those facing similar battles against this devastating illness.