Mark Pollock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mark Pollock
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Mark Pollock at the 2014 One Young World Conference
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| Born | 29 February 1976 Ireland
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| Nationality | Irish |
| Education | Royal Belfast Academical Institution University College Dublin Trinity College Dublin |
| Occupation | Motivational speaker, explorer, and author |
| Parent(s) | Barbara and Johnny |
| Awards | People of the Year Award UCD Alumnus of the Year in Business |
| Medal record | ||
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| Commonwealth Rowing Championships | ||
Representing  Northern Ireland |
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| Bronze | 2002 Nottingham | Rowing |
| Silver | 2002 Nottingham | Rowing |
Mark Pollock (born 29 February 1976) is an inspiring speaker, explorer, and author from Ireland. He made history as the first blind person to race all the way to the South Pole. In January 2009, he was part of a three-person team called South Pole Flag. They completed the challenging Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race in 43 days. Even though his blindness made the journey harder, his team finished fifth out of six teams that completed the race.
Mark is also a talented rower. He won bronze and silver medals at the 2002 Commonwealth Rowing Championships in Nottingham, England. He has also written a book called Making It Happen. Mark has continued to inspire many people with his determination.
Contents
Mark's Early Life and Vision Loss
Mark Pollock was born in Holywood, County Down, to Barbara and Johnny. When he was five years old, he lost the sight in his right eye. This meant he had to avoid contact sports to protect his remaining vision.
He went to the Royal Belfast Academical Institution and loved rowing. In 2002, Mark earned a Masters degree from University College Dublin. He also studied Business and Economics at Trinity College Dublin. There, he became a champion rower and captained the university's rowing club. However, at age 22, he suddenly lost the sight in his left eye, becoming completely blind. This was a very difficult time for him.
Learning to Cope with Blindness
After losing his sight, Mark felt that blind people could not live a normal life. He thought they could not play sports, work, study, or socialise. He decided to take a course to help him deal with his new challenges. He moved to Dublin with his guide dog, Larry.
Mark started looking for jobs, but employers were unsure how to work with a blind person. Eventually, a friend's father helped him get a job organising corporate events. Mark also returned to rowing. He won bronze and silver medals for Northern Ireland in the 2002 Commonwealth Rowing Championships. He also took on other athletic challenges. In 2003, he ran six marathons in seven days across the Gobi Desert in China. He raised a lot of money for the charity Sightsavers International. On 10 April 2004, he ran the North Pole Marathon. This was exactly ten years after he became blind.
Incredible Expeditions
To mark ten years since he lost his sight, Mark decided to race to the South Pole. This was a huge challenge. He trained in Norway to get used to the difficult snow conditions called sastrugi.
Mark, along with his teammates Simon O'Donnell and Inge Solheim, traveled 770 kilometers. They walked for about fourteen hours each day, pulling heavy sleds that weighed around 90 kilograms. Mark pulled a 200-pound sled for at least twelve hours a day for 43 days straight. Temperatures dropped to a freezing −50 degrees Celsius. The team faced blisters, hunger, and extreme tiredness. Mark said they "just can't believe" they had reached the South Pole. He described an amazing feeling of energy when they finally arrived.
Mark returned to Ireland on 3 February 2009. He was welcomed at Dublin Airport, even though bad weather had delayed his flight.
Sharing His Story
Mark Pollock wrote a book called Making It Happen. In the book, he shares his struggles with blindness and how he rebuilt his life. He talks about running many marathons, starting his own business, and becoming an international public speaker.
He has also appeared on television. On 7 February 2009, he was a guest on the RTÉ One chat show Tubridy Tonight. Mark also hosted a documentary series called Yes I Can, which aired in November 2011 on Setanta Sports.
Overcoming Paralysis
In July 2010, Mark faced another huge challenge. He fell from a second-story window, breaking his back. This accident left him paralysed. Mark is now working hard to overcome this new obstacle. He is a pioneer in exploring new ways to recover from spinal cord injury. He uses intense physical therapy and robotic technology to help his recovery.
Project Walk and Recovery Efforts
Mark is working with an innovative treatment center in California called Project Walk. He is taking part in an ambitious experimental treatment there. He is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible for people with spinal cord injuries.
Awards and Recognition
Mark Pollock has received many honors and awards for his achievements and inspiring spirit. He has been given honorary doctorates from Trinity College Dublin, Queen's University Belfast, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
He has also been named a Young Global Leader. In 2012, Mark received a Rehab People of the Year Award. In 2020, he was honored as UCD Alumnus of the Year in Business.
