Isle of Man TT rider Maria Costello has provided an encouraging update on her recovery and revealing she managed a visit to the British Superbikes Championships.

Costello is continuing her rehabilitation following the serious sidecar crash that left her paralysed.

The Northampton racer and her passenger Shaun Parker were injured when their LCR Honda sidecar outfit crashed during qualifying for this year’s Isle of Man TT after striking a hare near Brandish Corner.

Both Costello and Parker were initially treated at Noble’s Hospital before being airlifted to specialist hospitals in Merseyside for further care.

Costello, who remains wheelchair-bound, revealed earlier this month that she had moved hospitals and begun rehabilitation as she adapts to life following the incident.

Now she has posted a further update on social media after visiting the British Superbikes Championships event at Thruxton near Andover in southern England.

In an emotional post Costello said: ‘Who knew that visiting a motorcycle race could be as nerve wracking and emotionally charged and yet so filled with bliss as yesterday? Thanks to everyone who made it good!

‘Huge thanks to one of the best people on the planet Alan Gardner who made this short pit stop all possible and drove the same mileage to do so, as if driving to Knockhill. Legend!

‘It was my longest trip away from the hospital and I am totally exhausted from it. Which is why we had to keep it short (this time) as I am still only just starting to build myself back up.’

In a previous update, the 52-year-old admitted that the journey has been challenging, describing the mental and physical difficulties she is facing.

She said: ‘I thought I’d try a bit of normality and just do what I’d normally do and share some photos of the TT in a post…

‘Then I found hundreds more messages of love and support from you - that I hadn’t yet seen!!!’

Costello said the support she and Parker have received has been hugely meaningful during their recovery.

She added: ‘So this post is also to share appreciation from both Shaun and I for your support.

‘Your comments and messages are genuinely making all the difference. The love and support from you has moved me and filled my soul. What an incredible community you are!’

Providing an update on her rehabilitation, Costello said she was finding it difficult to put her experience into words.

She wrote: ‘Then I want to update you but I’m not finding it easy. The rollercoaster of emotions and the mental and physical challenges are like nothing I’ve faced before.

‘So please bear with me. I know I’m fortunate to be at this specialist hospital with such incredible staff who are making all the difference as I navigate rehabilitation.’

Fundraising pages have been established to support both Costello and Parker during their recoveries.