Ali’s brave shave raises awareness for breast cancer 

A member of Docklands’ DAM Busters Breast Cancer Survivors Dragon Boat Club has taken a bold step by cutting her locks for a worthy cause close to her heart. 

Ali Sutton, who embarked on a life-altering journey after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, raised more than $7000 in support of the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) after recently launching an online fundraiser.

Her awareness campaign also saw her commit to a promise of shaving her head, which was carried out by a “wonderful mum” during an assembly at Montmorency Primary School on November 17.

“So grateful for all the support and proud to be raising funds for such an amazing cause,” Ali said in a Facebook post following her shave. 

“Always grateful to my kids and grandkids who are always there for me. Thank you all, feeling very proud and thankful.” 

Ali said shaving her head a “very small thing to do” for the many women and men who will be diagnosed in future.  

Ali said the BCNA, who were her first point of contact after her diagnosis, did "such an amazing job of supporting newly diagnosed people".

She has been an active and passionate member of the DAM Busters Breast Cancer Survivors Dragon Boat Club (formerly Dragons Abreast Melbourne) since 2007, which is one of Victoria’s oldest dragon boat clubs and recently celebrated its 21st birthday.  

She joined the club after promising to herself “that once treatment was completed, I would give dragon boating a go”. 

“And I did and have never looked back since."

In October, Ali won the Dragon Boat Victoria - Dragon Spirit Award for her dedication to the sport and all the years she has been associated with the club and Dragon Boat Victoria Inc. 

To donate, visit the online fundraiser.

Caption: Ali Sutton has her head shaved in support of the Breast Cancer Network Australia.