Mark Pollock lost his eyesight aged 22 and has since championed his disability. 

Awesomely inspirational Mark is an example to everyone about how to be responsible for your own success and as he says “make decisions to make it happen.”

Since going blind Mark has taken on and completed many of the world’s greatest challenges. He is a fantastically inspiring and excellent speaker for which his testimonials illustrate.

In January 2009 Mark Pollock became the first blind person to successfully ski to and reach the South Pole as part of the Amundsen Omega 3 South Pole Race. Mark has skied 1,000km carrying his 70kg pack in temperatures averaging -40oC.

Go - (The Daily Telegraph 28th January, Mark reaches the South Pole including Video)

About

In 1998 aged 22, Mark had been on the crest of a wave as he prepared for his final exams at Trinity College Dublin, but came crashing back to earth with the news that he would never see again due to a having a very rare eye disorder. He was rowing at international level and had secured a fantastic job working in The City of London when he lost all of his ability to see.

Since then Mark has rebuilt his life and, indeed, has exceeded his achievements of before. Within six months of going blind he was working again and, two years later, he completed a Masters Degree in Business Studies. He has won medals rowing at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, completed six marathons in one week in China’s Gobi Desert, raced in the world’s most extreme marathon at the North Pole, kayaked across the Irish Sea and co-authored a book focused on the motivation and life choices of successful people.

On 10th April 2004, six years to the day that Mark went blind, he completed the world's most extreme marathon at the North Pole. The story is incredible and what he has learnt on the journey reminds us that there is a power that resides within us all to take control of our lives.

“It doesn't matter if I'm racing at the North Pole or in the Gobi desert, developing new opportunities in my business or even writing a book, the same principles apply.”

He writes about his motivation in his book ‘Making it Happen.’

In 2007 Mark from Banbridge, County Down, left his guide dog Larry at home and began the first challenge in April at the Dead Sea Ultra Marathon in Jordan. Despite this finishing 400m below sea level he had just a few weeks rest before starting challenge two, the Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon. No visually-impaired person has ever completed this Marathon before and so the challenge was ideal for Mark. The Marathon reaches a massive altitude of 5,356 metres above sea level and just reaching the starting line, for 29 May, was a challenge for Mark – there was a 15 day uphill trek to base camp before they started running on day 16.

When out of his running shoes, Mark and his guide dog Larry are equally as successful a partnership; Larry was crowned Guide Dog of the Year 2006 and they recently were runners-up in the prestigious Kennel Club competition ‘Friends for Life’ at Crufts.

“The shock of going blind was almost unbearable. One moment I was on the crest of a wave with everything going my way, the next I went blind and my life changed forever. I thought my life was over.”


Testimonials

“Mark spoke at our 2008 Conference to the whole Mars Ireland Business. His content, delivery and key messages were absolutely spot on, captivating the whole team and leading to an excellent and very rewarding question and answer session. Mark's personal humility, remarkable achievements and genuine honesty really touched and inspired many of the team, myself included. Whilst Mark may not be the most famous motivational speaker I would personally recommend him ahead of the usual celebrity list. His story is truly remarkable and quite humbling and the lessons very appropriate to everyday Business challenges.”

Andrew Clarke, General Manager, Mars

“Mark spoke at our 2007 sales conference in Austria. The impact was instant and the messages continue to affect our people. His delivery was awe inspiring and truly humbling, which forced us all to take a step back and consider how we face challenges and make decisions. Empowering our teams to take action and avoid excuses is key to our success as a business and Mark’s story demonstrates how to do that.”

Andy Shaw, Sales Director Red Bull UK

“Mark presented at our 2007 North American Leadership Conference in Chicago. It was attended by 200 of HSBC's senior managers across Canada and the USA. His delivery and content were well received by the attendees who represent many cultures and business lines. Given the complexity of today's financial services industry, Mark's insight into the motivational challenges facing our management teams was accurate and his suggestions and ideas were equally well received.”

Brendan McDonagh, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Finance Corporation & Chief Operating Officer, HSBC North America Holdings Inc.

“Your talk in Bangkok was awesome…the thing that grabbed me was your message that unless you get motivated to achieve your dream you'll never get there and that even after a huge setback (such as losing your sight)you can still achieve your dreams and goals if you remain focused and determined. As you highlighted, in order to achieve your goals you need to make it happen rather than either talk about it or make excuses why it can't. That is what we are all trying to achieve now.”

David Rattray, Director, Head of Sales Trading, Merrill Lynch (Australia)


“I first met Mark while competing against him in the North Pole Marathon and was immediately impressed by his positivity, resilience and determination. To take on endurance challenges in places like The Arctic and Gobi Desert requires great courage and mental strength. The fact that Mark has completed these adventures after losing his sight makes him truly inspiring.”

Sir Ranulph Fiennes