The South African broadcasting industry went radio silent on Sunday when the death of veteran radio and TV presenter Mark Pilgrim was announced. Pilgrim died after battling stage four lung cancer. He was 53. "It was with great sadness that I share this news," Lloyd Madurai, managing director at HOT 102.7FM said in an online statement. "Our hero and brother and much-loved radio personality Mark Pilgrim lost his battle with cancer this morning at 10:45." The popular media personality was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in March 2022, which he revealed in June had spread to his femur, the base of his spine and lymph nodes. Following his diagnosis, Pilgrim launched a YouTube video series chronicling his cancer journey. An unforgettable career in radio While Pilgrim has lived most of his life in South Africa, it may surprise some that he was born in England. He moved to South Africa at the age of 9, completed matric at Sasolburg High School and studied at Wits. While he is predominantly known as a radio presenter and it's something he always knew he wanted to do, working in the media was not Pilgrim's first career path. Click 'read more' for the complete tribute to the beloved radio presenter. |