From Earning Six Figures To Living In A Car - Islander Annie Shares Story Of Surviving Brain Injury

Annie Ricketts, who lives on the Isle of Wight, was a successful chief executive, earning a six figure salary.

After falling off a horse in July 2000 she ended up homeless, living out of a car and barely able to function.

Annie experienced a catastrophic life change following the accident. Prior to the injury,

Her career trajectory was exceptional: she was on track to take a tech company to IPO, had recently founded her own consultancy business and lived a financially secure lifestyle.

She maintained a high quality of life, and supported a teenage daughter. In July 2000, Annie sustained a severe TBI following a fall from a horse during a supervised ride.

Medical records show she was left unconscious in Salisbury District NHS A&E for nine hours without treatment and later discharged with nothing more than a handwritten diagnosis of a brain injury—without scans, support, or explanation.

No follow-up care was arranged. Annie will tell her story to a group of MPs today (Weds 21 May) at a special meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Acquired Brain Injury, and call for a new 'Right to Rehab' to help support those recovering from brain injuries.

She said:

“My hospital medical notes said 'the patient is elderly and deaf' but I was 36 at the time of my accident".

"The lack of appropriate medical intervention and social support in the early stages had cascading consequences. She ended up homeless, living in her car, unable to hold down minimum-wage cleaning jobs due to the effects of her injury.

“It took four years to see a neuropsychologist. I was sent home from hospital to a house that the medical staff knew was empty, with no support.

"I left hospital with a piece of paper that says “you have a severe brain injury” – that was the extent of the discharge plan.

"The great irony is I had no-one to advocate for me. My memory and cognitive skills were such that I had forgotten I had paid for private medical insurance that would have paid for rehab.

"I tried to work as a cleaner, but because it would take me hours to do a basic task like fill a bucket, I got fired, and ended up homeless.

"Although I’ve made real progress now, I could have got years of my life back."

Annie now volunteers to support and campaign for others with brain injuries.

Annie’s experience underscores the critical importance of early intervention, integrated care pathways, and long-term support in reducing the socioeconomic burden of brain injuries.