Mark Pilgrim dead at 53 after losing battle with stage 4 lung cancer, fiancée Adrienne 'together for his last breath'.

by Thinus Ferreira

The well-known, veteran South African TV and radio presenter Mark Pilgrim died on Sunday morning after losing his battle with stage 4 lung cancer. He was 53.

Mark Pilgrim was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in March 2022. In June 2022 he revealed that it had spread to his femur, his spine and his lymphatic system. 

His latest cancer battle for which he was extremely open and public, detailing his multiple round of chemotherapy, treatments and the effects of it on his body, followed after he survived stage 3 testicular cancer in 1988 that had spread to his lungs and kidneys and which he survived.

In 2021 Mark Pilgrim detailed his fight against Covid-19. 

In September 2022 Mark Pilgrim was open about the setback when he suffered a collapsed lung.

Mark Pilgrim was also very open about the heart attack he had suffered in 2008 whilst in his doctor's office which saved his life but led to 10% permanent heart damage. The heart attack came during the filming and production of M-Net's Power of 10 game show of which he was the host.

"It is with great sadness that I share this news," Lloyd Madurai, HOT 102.7 FM managing director, said in a statement where Mark Pilgrim was a radio DJ.

"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 fiancée 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."

Mark Pilgrim leaves behind his two daughters Tayla-Jean (12) and Alyssa (10) from his previous marriage with ex-wife Nicole Torres which lasted 13 years, and fiancée Adrienne Watkins.

Mark Pilgrim hosted numerous South African TV shows and radio programmes during his decades-long career and was a DJ at 5FM, 94.7, KFM, and HOT919, was a sought-after voice artists for radio and TV commercials, besides being a motivational speaker talking about cancer.

Mark Pilgrim was a well-known M-Net (DStv 101) presenter and hosted seasons of Big Brother South Africa from 2001, the first season of Big Brother Africa in 2003, the M-Net game show Power of 10, Retail Therapy, 2005's Sex Etc., as well as SABC2's Face 2 Face in 2004 and the magazine lifestyle show New Moves on e.tv.

Mark Pilgrim's autobiography, Beyond the Baldness was published in 2015.

The award-winning radio presenter was inducted into the South African Radio Awards Hall of Fame in 2021 for his contribution to the radio industry.

ALSO READ: Mark Pilgrim diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer: 'I'm not Chuck Norris. Yes, I'm scared. I am also strong'. 

Mark Pilgrim diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer: 'I'm not Chuck Norris. Yes, I'm scared. I am also strong'.

by Thinus Ferreira

The veteran broadcaster Mark Pilgrim has been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, saying that "the Big C" has come knocking on my door again".

The veteran radio DJ currently at Hot FM 102.7 and TV presenter who have battled cancer before and Covid-19 last year, has been diagnosed with cancer again - this time Stage 4 lung cancer.

The dad of two daughters was diagnosed and beat an aggressive Stage 3 testicular cancer in 1988, and in 2008 suffered a severe hear attack while he was at the doctor's office that caused permanent heart damage.

"My pledge to you is that as long as I have the strength to climb the three flights of stairs at the studio and do a good show, I'll be on the air, having a laugh and keeping each other company with some good tunes".

Mark Pilgrim said "I'm not Chuck Norris. Yes, I'm scared. I am also strong. Both emotions run parallel with each other. I'm under the care of incredible doctors and surrounded by love."

On Saturday Mark Pilgrim said that "treatment hopefully starts in a few weeks" and that he's making a pledge to himself that he will take time to smile and be grateful everyday, "will endeavour to be on radio and do what I love almost every day" and that "if you are going through a similar battle, know this - you are not alone. Let's fight together in spirit every day".

Coronavirus: More TV and radio presenters struggling with Covid-19 during South Africa's third wave of the pandemic.

by Thinus Ferreira

More South African TV and radio presenters are testing positive for Covid-19 with the country that is officially experiencing a third wave of infections, with Mark Pilgrim, Toks van der Linde and Ettienne Ludick who are fighting against the coronavirus.

The radio DJ and voice artist Mark Pilgrim on social media revealed that he's got Covid with the words "Oh dear. It got me." In a public note to his immune system, Mark Pilgrim says "You've got this buddy! We've been through a lot together over the years. You kicked cancer's butt and also saved us after a heart attack."

"Now you're being challenged again and you're showing your strength once more! You're my heavyweight boxing champ and you're fighting so hard. I'm so proud of you."

The former Springbok rugby player Toks van der Linde who is a presenter of Friday night's Toks & Tjops on kykNET (DStv 144) revealed that he has also tested positive for Covid-19 whilst on holiday in the Maldives with his wife, Carol.

On Facebook, he said "It's Sunday morning in Baros, Maldives. A holiday that was a fairy tale has now become interesting. I'm Covid-positive. Please pray for us. This virus isn't a joke - believe me."

On Twitter, Toks said that he is "not in hospital just isolated on Baros island".

Netwerk24 reports that the radio and TV presenter Ettienne Ludick who is a presenter on SuperSport Blitz and of InTune on the SABC's Afrikaans radio station RSG, also tested positive for Covid-19. SuperSport says that it tests all staff on a weekly basis.

 Besides the RSG presenter Amore Bekker who is also sick with Covid, the RSG station manager Louise Jooste now also has Covid.