Tributes continue to pour in following the death of veteran media personality, Mark Pilgrim. This after a fierce battle against stage four lung cancer.
The 53-year-old’s open and honest journey gave strength to many. He shared his journey on social media, saying it was for anyone ‘going through cancer’ or ‘supporting someone with cancer’:
Just to keep it real. I smile a lot in pics, but there’s also moments after heavy coughing or vomiting that I’m exhausted and need a moment to catch my breath. It’s about acknowledging those moments… and then standing up again.
Pilgrim was diagnosed with lung cancer in February, last year. On his YouTube channel, he revealed that the cancer had spread to the base of his spine, his femur and lymph nodes. Before this diagnosis, he was in remission for over 30 years from stage 3 testicular cancer. Pilgrim suffered a hear attack in 2008 – losing 10% of his heart function.
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Brought these to work with me. They go with me to every gig I do. Respect always! #RIPMarkPilgrim pic.twitter.com/AJ8pJgMHbN
— Barney Simon (@BarneySimon) March 6, 2023
Here Marks talk about diagnosis of cancer at an early age. #RIPMarkPilgrim pic.twitter.com/FhrZPHPBAH
— Cliff the Reporter (@CliffShiko) March 5, 2023
Mark Pilgrim inspired people in South Africa
Nomonde Mnukwa, the Acting Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System, said in a statement:
“Pilgrim is a much-loved South African personality who fought cancer valiantly. He always took South Africans along the journey whilst hosting his shows…documented his fight and journey with the cancer, including his battle with Covid-19, recoveries from surgery and the time he spent with his family. He has inspired many people in this process,”
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His second-last post on social media (February 2) shows a photo of him lying down with his eyes closed. It reads:
A lot of sleeping the last few days. Body is depleted. After chemo and immuno Thursday it’s just been pouring out both ends. I’m like a shrivelled pea
Lucy Balona, head of marketing and communication at the Cancer Association of South Africa, told Daily Maverick, that Pilgrim made it ‘okay to talk about having cancer’:
“He leaves an incredible legacy of men needing to talk about diseases that affect them and that there are ways to lower your cancer risk and that you don’t have to be alone, that there is help out there.”
Mark Pilgrim proposed to his partner, Adrienne Watkins on New Years Eve, frail in his wheelchair, certain he was on the mend.
Pilgrim died peacefully at home in Johannesburg. His fiancé, Adrienne, by his side.
Man, I’m so gutted about Mark Pilgrim. Man fought right to the end but kept positive all the time. I don’t think a lot of people could do that. But he did. ♥️ #RIPMarkPilgrim pic.twitter.com/mMJOqnGvpX
— @SUPERINFORMATIVE on TikTok (@i_likebrandon) March 5, 2023
I have never met such a brave and optimistic man. His attitude was contagious. I’ve learnt a lot from him by just observimg him fight the cancer. #RIPMarkPilgrim pic.twitter.com/sDp9xgVEUL
— Boitumelo Matshaba (@BoituMatshaba) March 5, 2023
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#RIPMarkPilgrim -Kept fighting right till the end, one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. My condolences to his family.
— Chris Forrest (@ChrisForrestSA) March 5, 2023
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) says his legacy lives on:
Mark was always an inspiration to cancer warriors, patients, and survivors by openly talking about his journey over the years. Even after his second diagnosis in 2022, Mark continued to share his story and encourage others.
#RIPMarkPilgrim I was so sure you were going to beat this 💔😭 Thank you for inspiring us all!!! I am gutted!!!!! pic.twitter.com/elFwv07T7w
— Monique Alley (@MoniqueRen) March 5, 2023
