Cape Town – Following the death of veteran radio presenter Mark Pilgrim, many fans and friends have commended his bravery and strength to fight the odds.
Mark was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in February 2022.
He died on Sunday at the age of 53.
Mark continued to remain positive throughout his cancer journey and lived his last few months by practising his #dontstopbelieving motto. He would update fans and followers with his progress, including hospital visits, surgeries and visits from his daughters and fiancée, Adrienne
According to IOL, Pilgrim had previously said that his posts and updates were done to encourage others to find “inner strength”
“If my posts encourage just one person to find the inner strength to face another day, it’s all worthwhile,” he said.
ALSO READ | Veteran broadcaster Mark Pilgrim dies after cancer fight
Mark spent the last year being in and out of the hospital and although he became frail and lost weight in the process, he remained positive about his healing.
The South African reported that the managing Director at Hot 102.7FM, Lloyd Madurai, revealed that Pilgrim was still communicating with him the night before he died, saying that his state deteriorated overnight. Madurai described the 53-year-old radio jock as a fighter and said that Mark was doing well on Saturday. However, his condition suddenly deteriorated overnight.
“He was still communicating with us on Saturday. It changed overnight,” the publication quoted Madurai as saying.
In a separate report, The South African said that Mark was supported until his last days, with Adrienne, his fiance, by his side.
“It’s one of my pillars towards my journey to recovery, of regaining my health. Because, let’s face it, to go through this on your own is so much harder. I’m blessed to have an angel on this earth, Adrienne, who has been by my side from the word go,” Mark said.
Pilgrim died peacefully at his Johannesburg home with Adrienne by his side.
He received touching tributes on Twitter from many fans.
My heart is shattered. Mark Pilgrim has just passed away. My friend, you fought so hard. ?
— Brent Lindeque (@BrentLindeque) March 5, 2023
Mark Pilgrim was “in my life” for the past 27 odd years. As a teenager I listened to 5FM. Then I had my Highveld stereo phase where he was at.I remember he was off GP waves for a while but also presented Big Brother and then Hot FM. To be honest, I am damn sad to hear this news.
— Just C ?? (@JustCallMeC_79) March 5, 2023
“Veteran radio and TV presenter, as well as author, Mark Pilgrim will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His inspiring fight against cancer touched many lives and his legacy will continue to inspire. Rest in peace, Mark. #RIPMarkPilgrim pic.twitter.com/uGpxXMkcnA
— Sudesh Rocharam (@SRocharam) March 6, 2023
In the last few months, when things were tough and I was tempted to feel sorry for myself, i would remind myself that #MarkPilgrim is fighting a bigger fight, and that would inspire me. Now..#RIPMarkPilgram
— Pat Cashonradio (@Cashonradio) March 6, 2023
I’d like to State Mark Pilgrim beat Cancer in my eyes…. he fought to the bitter end … He won… he is just at a peaceful rest after going pound for pound with a terrible disease…. Live in Eternal Peace champ ❤️#RIPMarkPilgrim
— Cruise Queen |?Mak_G Darasimi??❤ (@Da_MaK_G) March 6, 2023
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
