Ruby’s beach ride dream comes true

There may be very few experiences that could compare to a sunset camel ride on Cable Beach, but for one young visitor it was nothing short of a dream come true.

Seven-year-old Ruby Ormsby-Qualtrough travelled from Queensland last month with parents Scott and Tanya and sisters Zara and Naje for what proved to be the trip of a lifetime. But it hasn’t always been easy going.

Ruby suffers from a rare form of Prader-Willi syndrome, where her slow metabolism and constant appetite poses a serious threat to her health and, potentially, her lifespan.

Diagnosed with the disorder at just two months old, Ruby spent the better part of last year in hospital, before a social worker signed her up for the Starlight Foundation, which grants wishes to sick children.

While Ruby’s wish was to ride an elephant on the beach and become a mermaid, she was excited to embrace the closest thing to it — a camel ride on the picturesque Cable Beach.

Her mother Tanya said Ruby enjoyed her first trip to the Kimberley town and it was an experience the family would never forget.

“Our time in beautiful Broome was amazing,” she said.

“Ruby enjoyed her camel ride very much. Since we’ve returned home from Queensland all she has spoken about is how much she loved it.

“It was nice to have that time out and not have to worry about anything.”

Ms Ormsby-Qualtrough said she was beyond thankful for the experience.

“Everyone was very accommodating, my family and I cannot thank everybody involved enough,” she said.

“She was made to feel like such a special little girl, which she definitely is.”

Sundowner Camel Tours owner Steve Madden said he was glad he could help Ruby’s wish come true.

“It was great to have Ruby and her family come down for the ride,” he said.

“We were more than happy to accommodate them and make it a memorable time.”