- Mark Pilgrim was more than just a friend to the Reach For A Dream Foundation and the Cansa Association. He was family.
- Both initiatives paid tribute to Pilgrim, thanking and lauding him for his unwavering dedication to creating cancer awareness.
- The beloved radio and TV presenter died on Sunday after battling stage four lung cancer. He was 53.
Mark Pilgrim was more than just a friend to the Reach For A Dream Foundation and the Cansa Association. He was family.
The beloved radio and TV presenter died on Sunday after battling stage four lung cancer. He was 53.
Pilgrim had been in remission from stage four testicular cancer for 33 years when he announced his diagnosis in February 2022.
"He was determined to try everything," Lloyd Madurai, managing director of HOT 102.7FM, told News24 on Sunday, shortly after the news of Pilgrim's death broke. "Mark was a fighter."
To create awareness, Pilgrim shared his fight against cancer with his social media followers and continuously dedicated his time to organisations, including Reach For A Dream and Cansa.
In tribute to Pilgrim, Reach for a Dream lauded the radio presenter for his "unwavering commitment to our cause" and his "infectious enthusiasm" that "touched the lives of countless South Africans".
The tribute continued to share what everyone at the foundation will miss most about him: "What we'll remember most about Mark is his indomitable spirit. No matter what challenges he faced, he never lost hope, strength, or courage."
SEE THE TRIBUTE HERE:
Echoing the same sentiments, Cansa shared a photo collage showing Pilgrim's dedication to the cause.
"One of South Africa's most treasured radio personalities, Mark was also a beloved Cansa Ambassador," the caption reads.
SEE THE COLLAGE HERE:
Shortly after announcing his diagnosis on social media in March 2022, Pilgrim was contacted by photographer, Marc Gregory, to feature in the second edition of his celebrity portrait book, In Good Company II.
In remembrance of Pilgrim, Gregory released a few portraits taken in May 2022.