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On Sunday, 5 March, the devastating news that veteran radio personality Mark Pilgrim had died broke, and he was said to have died peacefully at his home after a harrowing battle with stage four lung cancer; he reportedly died surrounded by his fiancée Adrienne and loved ones, and several industry friends have since paid tribute to him on their socials.
Another angel has been added to the world. Pigrim is no longer alive, but he is not forgotten.
Pilgrim will be remembered for many things, including his ability to fight. In 1998, he was diagnosed with cancer for the first time. He went on to win a number of awards. Pilgrim was winning even when he was sick and in the hospital.
According to IOL. In November last year, Pilgrim was nominated 13 times in the 2020 SA Radio Awards and reportedly bagged two wins for the Best Weekend Show award and another win as his health improved. He was moved from the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) to a general ward.
His legacy will live on as several industry friends shared their fondest memories with him.
On 6 March, HOT102.7FM station paid tribute to Pilgrim and said,
“Words cannot express the tremendous grief that the HOT 102.7FM family is experiencing over the passing of our dear friend, Mark Pilgrim. We pay tribute to him & celebrate a life that was well lived, for his many accomplishments, his kindness & for the privilege of knowing him.”
Words cannot express the tremendous grief that the HOT 102.7FM family is experiencing over the passing of our dear friend, Mark Pilgrim. We pay tribute to him & celebrate a life that was well lived, for his many accomplishments, his kindness & for the privilege of knowing him. pic.twitter.com/HDZv4crSrt
— HOT102.7FM (@Hot1027FM) March 6, 2023
Kids-Can Foundation paid tribute to Mark on Facebook and wrote,
“🤍🕊Rest in Eternal Peace Mark Pilgrim 🕊🤍You fought stage 4 lung cancer for so long and hard…
“Your legacy, your laughter, amazing heart, all will be spoken about for generations.”
GARRETH CLIFF
Iconic radio personality Garreth Cliff was one of the first people to break the news to Pigrim’s fans online and wrote,
“Very sad news of the passing of legendary broadcaster Mark Pilgrim. He fought a tough fight and inspired many in the process…and during his many years on radio.”
Very sad news of the passing of legendary broadcaster Mark Pilgrim. He fought a tough fight and inspired many in the process…and during his many years on radio. #RIPMark
— Gareth Cliff (@GarethCliff) March 5, 2023
BAILEY GEORGIADES
Radio presenter Bailey Georgiades took to her Instagram and wrote,
“I’ve been sitting here trying to comprehend the news of @markpilgrimza passing away. 💔It’s pouring with rain, and it feels fitting as the feelings and memories flood in.
My heart is shattered. 💔
“Mark was not only my work husband for years when we presented the Afternoon Drive show on 947 – The Baldy and Bailz Show, but a great friend. I LOVED our time together, so many laughs, the planks all over the place (what a weird trend that was), the advice and mentoring!” she added.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CpahE5DtfAh/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e3591cf3-e6b5-4c94-b2b7-597afc25794b
SASHA MARTINENGO
Former Sports presenter Sasha Martinengo, who worked with Pilgrim for over a decade penned,
“You have many colleagues and associates but very few friends. It is just the nature of the beast.
Mark and I worked together at 5FM for ten years, and again we worked together at Hot for a few more,” Martinengo said.
“Mark was a broadcaster, not just a DJ. Whether it was TV or Radio, he was reliable, dependable and always prepared,” he added.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CpcBraJMJnn/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=e244c475-f7b0-4397-8bee-2649a79887d7
KYLE CASSIM
Pilgrim’s former colleague, Kyle Cassim also paid his respect by sharing his fondest moment with Pilgrim. He said,
“In 2002, I met Mark Pilgrim at a fun day in Jhb; my dad told him that I too wanted to be a DJ and a 5fm presenter. He gave me a hug, let me stand in the DJ box with him, and then took a pen and signed my shirt. I cherished that shirt and still have it today.”