Blind runner sets sights on the Artic

From Sunday Life - 15/02/2004 (334 words)

YOU might think that Mark Pollock had reached the 'final frontier' after running six marathons in seven days - a distance of more than 156 miles - across the Gobi Desert in China .

After all, it was a feat of strength and endurance that would put even the most experienced athlete to the test.

But when you consider that he had never previously ran a marathon and is registered blind, it took a rare kind of courage indeed.

But despite his awe-inspiring achievement, Mark, from Holywood, has no intention of resting on his laurels.

He is already making preparations for his next challenge.

Mark, 27, intends to compete in the North Pole Arctic marathon on April 10 - the sixth anniversary of the day he lost his sight.

And in July, he plans to take part in the annual 'Race across the Rockies ' in the USA , which involves running, cycling and canoeing over three weeks.

"Most people think I'm mad and can't believe I accept these challenges when I can't see where I'm going," said Mark.

"To me it's all about ability- not disability."

But it is also the chance of helping others that drives Mark on in his amazing crusade.

He suffered from weak retinas as a child and eventually lost his sight completely in 1998.

Since then, however, he has won a silver medal rowing for Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games and completed his Masters degree, at University College Dublin.

Each challenge Mark undertakes raises money for Sight Savers International which, in turn, helps to reverse blindness among children in impoverished regions across Africa .

"I managed to raise 16,000 in sponsorship from the Gobi Desert challenge and it will go towards routine cataract surgery that can help many children regain their sight instantly," he said.

"That's my real reward and it allows me to stretch myself towards goals that I never believed I could achieve."