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Maria Costello MBE has made her first public video statement since a qualifying crash at the Isle of Man Sidecar TT left her with a spinal cord injury. In an Instagram post on September 29 she said the accident, which occurred 18 weeks earlier, “changed” her life and that she will document the months ahead as she rebuilds.
Opening up from hospital
Speaking from a hospital bed, Costello said she had not been ready to talk until now. She plans to share regular updates, including footage of her rehabilitation at the Stoke Mandeville spinal unit, and asked supporters to stay with her through the recovery process.
She thanked the many people who have reached out since the crash, saying that their support has helped her reach her current stage of treatment and recovery.
Injuries and uncertainty about the future
Costello revealed in a written update in June the full extent of her injuries. In addition to the spinal cord damage, she suffered multiple fractures — including a broken back, broken arm, broken nose and a fractured eye socket — and a severe liver laceration described as grade four.
The spinal injury has left her paralysed from the level of the T5/T6 vertebrae downward. She acknowledged that many questions remain unanswered: whether she will ride again, or complete the TT lap she has chased for decades. Still, she vowed not to give up and said she would fight to return to the sport she loves.
Where the crash happened
Costello, who was marking her 30th year of competition on the Mountain Course at the 2026 event, crashed at Brandish during the second lap of the first Sidecar TT qualifying session.
Fundraising and community support
A GoFundMe page set up after the accident had raised more than £267,000 by June and now stands at £311,692. The campaign has helped cover immediate needs and recovery-related costs as she undergoes treatment.
Support from the racing community has been tangible. Double British Superbike champion Kyle Ryde added nearly £21,000 to the fund by riding to the Knockhill round on a Honda Monkey 125, joined by fellow champion Josh Brookes on a second Monkey 125.
Reaction from MCN
Motorcycle News said it was encouraging to see Costello speaking and engaging with followers. The publication expressed its best wishes for her ongoing rehabilitation and recovery.
