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 to the South Pole.
In January 2009, Mark was part of a three-person team called South Pole Flag. With teammates Simon O'Donnell and Inge Solheim, he completed the Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race. It took them 43 days to finish this amazing journey. They came in fifth place out of six teams that completed the race. Mark has also won bronze and silver medals in rowing. This was at the 2002 Commonwealth Rowing Championships in England. He also wrote a book called Making It Happen.
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Mark's Early Life and Education
Mark Pollock was born in Holywood, County Down, to Barbara and Johnny. When he was five, he lost sight in his right eye. This meant he had to avoid contact sports to protect his other eye. He went to the Royal Belfast Academical Institution and enjoyed rowing there.
Later, Mark studied at University College Dublin. He earned a Masters of Business Studies in 2002. He also studied Business and Economics at Trinity College Dublin. He became a champion rower and captained the university's rowing club. However, at age 22, he lost sight in his left eye, becoming completely blind.
Living with Blindness
Mark became fully blind when he was 22 years old. This happened when his left retina became detached. At first, he worried this would stop him from working or being social. He had planned to start a job in London. After losing his sight, he returned home.
Mark took a course to help him adjust to his new life. He moved to Dublin with his guide dog, Larry. He 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 organizing corporate events.
Mark returned to rowing and won medals for Northern Ireland in 2002. He also took on other challenges. In 2003, he ran six marathons in seven days across the Gobi Desert in China. He did this with a sighted partner and raised a lot of money for charity. On 10 April 2004, he competed in the North Pole Marathon. This was exactly six years after he became blind.
To mark 10 years of being blind, Mark decided to race to the South Pole. He talked to explorer Pat Falvey for advice. Mark wrote his book, Making It Happen, to share his experiences after becoming blind. The book covers his marathons, starting his own business, and becoming a public speaker.
Trekking to the South Pole
Mark Pollock traveled to the South Pole in January 2009. He trained in Norway to get used to the icy conditions. Mark, O'Donnell, and Solheim journeyed 770 kilometers. They traveled about 14 hours each day, pulling heavy sleds behind them. Mark pulled a 90-kilogram sled for at least 12 hours daily, for 43 days straight.
Temperatures during the trip dropped to as low as -50 degrees Celsius. The team faced blisters, hunger, and extreme tiredness. O'Donnell got severe frostbite on his ear and fingers. Solheim even lost a tooth filling because of the cold. Mark told the Irish Independent newspaper that they "just can't believe" they had arrived. He said they only believed it was possible when they were one hour away. He described a huge burst of energy when they finally reached their goal.
Mark returned to Ireland on 3 February 2009. He was welcomed at Dublin Airport. His return had been delayed by very bad weather in Dublin that week.
Mark's Television Appearances
On 7 February 2009, Mark Pollock appeared on the RTÉ One chat show Tubridy Tonight. He also hosted a documentary series called Yes I Can. This show aired in November 2011 on Setanta Sports.
Overcoming Paralysis
In July 2010, Mark had a serious accident. He fell from a second-story window. This fall broke his back and left him paralyzed. Since then, he has worked hard on his recovery. He uses intense physical therapy and robotic technology.
Mark has tried experimental treatments to help with his paralysis. He has worked with a special treatment center in California called Project Walk. He is always looking for new ways to improve his condition.
Awards and Recognition
Mark Pollock has received many honors for his achievements. He has an Honorary Doctorate from Trinity College, Dublin. He also has an Honorary Doctorate from Queen's University Belfast. Mark has been named a Young Global Leader. In 2015, he received another Honorary Doctorate from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
In 2012, Mark was given a Rehab People of the Year Award. This award recognizes people who have made a big difference. In 2020, he was named UCD Alumnus of the Year in Business.
