A Wirral teacher has been awarded her second gold medal at the Taekwon-Do World Championships after beating a serious injury.

Helen Bennett, a Science teacher at Birkenhead Sixth Form College, required serious reconstructive surgery after snapping an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her knee.

After spending 20 years as a Taekwon-Do instructor at Wirral UKTA, she was also honoured with the Female Veteran Technical Award for her commitment to the sport.

Despite her injury, Helen focused on returning to the sport, dedicating herself to the rehab treatment by making the most of the facilities at the College.

Helen said: “I had surgery 14 months ago and I worked really hard on rehab, making the most of the excellent gym and fitness facilities at the College along the way.

“Johanne Male, the College’s Well-Being Coach and Learning Support Assistant, was great with motivational help and I was back in training with the national squad just seven months later.

“I was delighted to be selected again and hoped to do well despite the break in my training.

“It’s an amazing feeling standing up on the first place podium at the World Championships with the whole stadium standing as they play ‘Land of Hope & Glory’ just for you!”

From Irby, Helen offers Taekwon-Do to her students as part of the College’s Enrichment programme and has inspired many of her students to compete at a national level.