Veteran Radio & TV Presenter Mark Pilgrim Dies At 53 After Battling Cancer. Veteran radio and television personality Mark Pilgrim passed away from stage 4 lung cancer at the age of 53.
In March 2022, Pilgrim made public his disease, which had spread to other areas, and he started a YouTube video series to document his rehabilitation.
He presented at HOT 102.7FM Monday through Saturday before he passed away, but due to recent health issues, he had to stop using the microphone. In 1988, he was identified as having severe Stage 3 testicular cancer, which he overcame.
Together with his fiancée, Adrienne Watkins, Pilgrim also leaves behind his two children, Tayla-Jean and Alyssa. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by those he loved.
Lloyd Madurai, the managing director of HOT 102.7FM, made the announcement in an online article and stated:
“Our hero and brother and much loved radio personality Mark Pilgrim lost his battle with cancer this morning at 10:45,” He fought valiantly to the very end. Mark passed peacefully with his fiancé Adrienne at home.
They were together for his last breath. The family thank you for being part of his journey. For loving him and for celebrating him and supporting him always. Mark will be greatly missed by all. May his soul rest in peace.”
The radio shows Pilgrim hosted on 5FM, 94.7 Highveld Stereo, 94.5 Kfm, Hot919, and Hot102.7fm were well-known. He said that his most recent scans showed “a further notable reduction in the tumors (in size and intensity)” during his seventh round of chemotherapy in July.
He also experienced a lung collapse in September, which resulted in a number of difficulties. For the treatment of the collapsed lung, Pilgrim underwent a number of surgical procedures in October and November, and he recovered for weeks in the critical care unit.
While he documented his journey on social media, his candor and tenacity motivated many, and his demise has sparked an outpouring of sadness. Pilgrim proposed to Adrianne Watkins at the start of the year, and his family thanked his friends and supporters.
The loss of Mark Pilgrim to South Africa’s media industry is immense, and his contributions to radio and television will be cherished.
