A young woman who was attacked by bullies at high school has become a kickboxing sensation.
McKenna Wade, from Blyth, Northumberland, was just 11 years old when a cruel group of school children circled her and knocked her out.
As a result, her parents encouraged her to learn self defence and signed McKenna up to a kickboxing gym, and little did they know kickboxing would become McKenna's passion.
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Now, the 20-year-old is preparing to take part in her biggest show and fight in the K-1 World GP in Japan on July 17.
McKenna said: "I can't wait for it. The experience of just going over there and getting in the ring with someone who is a much higher level than me.
"It means a lot to me, it is my life. I'm never on the streets, I don't drink, I don't do drugs. I'm focused on going to the gym 24/7."
McKenna trains at Millennium Martial Arts, in Blyth, and works with coach Tony Cunningham.
She has fought in productions including Yokkao and Muay Thai Grand Prix at the o2 in London, The Homeshow and more recently fought in Bristol in a four woman tournament which she won.
She won the European World Kickboxing Organisation champion belt in 2019.
McKenna said: "I had to gradually fight one person at a time but they weren't people below me they were a level above. I want to get into the One Championship which is another big promotion.
"The show I'm fighting on is massive. It is one step away from One. I could go to Singapore and fight out there."
Looking back at the shocking incident that happened when she was 11, she said: "It gave me the confidence to learn self-defence as well."
McKenna is supported by her family, including mum Joanne Wade, 49, who said they are all proud of her.
She said: "People always said she was so funny and crackers. I've just watched friends. She had a school hanging on the streets and drinking on the streets but McKenna has never experienced that because she has always been at the gym.
"Everybody is so proud of her. On April 4 she won a tournament where she had to fight twice in one night and won £1,000. She just loves it and trains three times a day."
Now, they are seeking sponsorship to help McKenna compete in Japan and achieve her dreams of competing at the highest level.
Joanne said: "We keep McKenna, she doesn't work because she is in the gym 24/7. She did have a baby clothes shop but there was Covid and electricity prices went up so it wasn't sustainable.
"We are looking for any kind of sponsorship. We are desperately trying desperately to help McKenna. The competition is paying for her flight and accommodation out there but there are other things like insurance."
