Mark Pilgrim
Back to happier times: The late Mark Pilgrim will be remembered at a charity music concert celebrating his favourite music songs. Photo: Twitter

Home » Mark Pilgrim: Five ex-5FM colleagues share memories

Mark Pilgrim: Five ex-5FM colleagues share memories

Former 5FM radio presenters have fondly remembered the late Mark Pilgrim, who headed up a popular show on the station for nearly a decade. After putting up a brave fight, the veteran star lost his battle with stage four lung cancer on Sunday, 5 March. The beloved presenter hosted the Mark Pilgrim show on 5FM […]

By Garrin Lambley
06-03-23 12:51
in Featured
Mark Pilgrim
Back to happier times: The late Mark Pilgrim will be remembered at a charity music concert celebrating his favourite music songs. Photo: Twitter

Former 5FM radio presenters have fondly remembered the late Mark Pilgrim, who headed up a popular show on the station for nearly a decade.

After putting up a brave fight, the veteran star lost his battle with stage four lung cancer on Sunday, 5 March.

The beloved presenter hosted the Mark Pilgrim show on 5FM during the mid 1990s to early 2000s.

ALSO READ: Positive vibes only: 5 Reasons Mark Pilgrim was Mzansi’s hero

FORMER COLLEAGUES FONDLY REMEMBER MARK PILGRIM

Following his death, former 5FM DJs Barney Simon, Alex Jay, Sasha Martinengo, Gareth Cliff and Ursula Chikane – who all worked beside the star – paid their respects.

And it was clear that Pilgrim had touched each individual in a special way.

ALSO READ: Fighting spirit: Mark Pilgrim overcame more than just cancer

In a Facebook post, Sasha Martinengo shared, “Mark, you didn’t deserve to go through what you did. You fought through adversity since you were a young man and always came out on top. I’m so sorry that life was so short for you, and I believe you are free from the terrible pain you endured.”

Alex Jay – who now works at Jacaranda FM – shared: “You put up a very brave & public fight against cancer. Inspirational. Sadly the dread disease has claimed another victim. I’m going to miss you big time, baldy. Gone too soon.”

ALSO READ: Mark Pilgrim’s bittersweet final interview: ‘I want to be well again’

Barney Simon – also at Jacaranda FM – shared a pic of Mark Pilgrim’s CDs titled Radio Rock and 80’s Pilgrimage. He tweeted: “It hurts. You were special and very brave. We are going to miss that smile and voice. Welcome to the great gig in the sky Mark. Respect!”

ALSO READ: By his side ’til the end: Mark’s fiancée offered love, support

Ursula Chikane – aka Brown Suga, who is now at Hot 102.7 FM – tweeted: “You loved radio, Markie, and radio loved you. So much. We’ll miss your cheeky humour…and that legendary voice. You were our gentle brother through it all.”

Gareth Cliff, who joined 5FM just two years before Mark’s departure – tweeted: “He fought a tough fight and inspired many in the process…and during his many years on the radio”.

ALSO READ: ‘Fought valiantly to the end’: Hot 102.7 confirm Mark Pilgrim’s death

5FM PAYS TRIBUTE

Meanwhile, 5FM has also remembered Mark Pilgrim with a nostalgic throwback.

Tweeting a picture of Mark in the studio from deep in the archives, the station shared: “His incredible contribution and dedication to the industry will always be remembered.”

Tags: 5FM Mark Pilgrim radio presenter