The mane event

By Paul Pickering
FIVE-year-old burns victim Ana Bushby could barely contain her excitement last week.
Not only might the Avonsleigh toddler be attending a life-changing support camp in Queensland next month but she will also get to see her dad lose his flowing locks for the first time in 17 years.
Two years ago, Ana sustained third degree burns to a quarter of her body in a kitchen accident.
Despite the trauma of having seven skin grafts and spending 18 months in restrictive pressure garments, Ana has managed to keep her spirits – and those of her parents – high.
Now, stay-at-home dad James Bushby has devised an everybody-wins plan to send his daughter to Camp Phoenix – a program run by the Burn Survivors’ Network of the Kids’ Foundation – at Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort on Moreton Island.
In a bid to cover the expenses of sending Ana to the camp, Mr Bushby is seeking sponsorship to shave off his characteristic mane.
Fittingly, Mr Bushby will then give his hair to a local wig maker to be donated to a child suffering from hair loss because of serious illness.
While he was a little apprehensive about losing his locks, Mr Bushby said the opportunity to attend Camp Phoenix would be an amazing experience for Ana.
The camp unites young burns victims to discuss their experiences and participate in a weekend of fun activities like dolphin feeding, snorkelling, paddle boats, volleyball, bushwalks and campfire songs.
“I’m hoping the trip to Camp Phoenix will be like a final step for her – to meet a lot of people who’ve been through the same thing,” Mr Bushby said.
“She’s handled it like a trooper but it’s good to show them that no matter how badly you’ve been injured, you can go on.”
Mr Bushby said his mother had actually offered him $1000 in a desperate attempt to stop him from going through with the drastic haircut but he reluctantly refused the offer.
The Bushbys are hoping that they can raise enough money to be able to contribute to the expenses of other Camp Phoenix families.
While the date for the much-anticipated chop is still to be set, the fundraising event has been officially sanctioned by Kids’ Foundation.
Sponsorships can be made by calling Kids’ Foundation on 1300 734 733.