Help us to keep The Billy Guyton Foundation operational.

$8,355 of $20,000 goal
Given by 104 generous donors in around 11 months

After the loss of Shane Christie, we need to get BGF back up and running to continue his mission of advocating for CTE sufferers.

Nelson

In May 2023, former professional rugby player Billy Guyton Died tragically after years of struggling with the effects of repeated concussions. After his passing, he became the first professional rugby player diagnosed posthumously (NZ) with Stage 2 CTE, a brain disease caused by repeated head trauma.

Billy’s close friend and teammate Shane Christie, who had also battled post-concussion syndrome and suspected CTE for nearly a decade, founded the Billy Guyton Foundation (BGF). Shane poured in his own money and energy while struggling himself, determined to make sure others wouldn’t suffer alone as he and Billy had.

Shane advocated loudly for change, but tragically, on 27 August 2025, he too lost his life to the devastating effects of suspected CTE.

Right now, our focus is to : To support people in Aotearoa living with concussion TBI and suspected CTE to access treatment and recovery options that aren’t covered by ACC including hormone therapy, biofeedback, and holistic care. All funds raised will go directly towards helping people receive the care they need and deserve. We are an Incorporated Charitable Trust NZBN 9429052636806 and are in the process of registering as a charity so we can grow this mahi and reach more whānau in need.

Your koha helps us keep this kaupapa alive for Billy, for Shane, and for everyone fighting the same fight they once did.

Ngā mihi nui for standing with us 💙

Coutrney Hayford's involvement (page creator)

I am a friend of Shane, Billy, Holly and Tori. I want to do all I can to share Shane and Billy's legacy and see the Billy Guyton Foundation support impacted people.

Use of funds

All proceeds will go towards getting the charity officially registered and running. and to help people with sports-related head injuries like Billy and Shane, who often haven't had access to the care they needed.

Other page links

Read more

Latest update

Update image

💚 A Final Thank You  5 August 2026

Posted by: Billy's Sister Tori Guyton

As this original Givealittle comes to an end, we simply wanted to say thank you. When this page was first created, we had no idea where the journey ahead would take us. We were grieving the loss of Billy, and then, just as we were beginning to find our feet, we lost Shane too.

Following Shane’s passing, we were unable to continue operating the original Foundation and made the difficult decision to establish the charity from the ground up.

Because of your generosity, encouragement and belief in us, the Billy Guyton Foundation is once again supporting New Zealanders and their whānau living with concussion, traumatic brain injury and probable CTE.

Together, we’ve helped fund assessments and treatment, connected people with trusted clinicians, raised awareness, advocated for change and, most importantly, found hope.

To all 160 donors, thank you for believing in us. Billy and Shane’s legacy lives on through every person we support and every step towards a future where no one has to walk this road alone.

If you’d like to continue supporting our work, please follow our journey on our permanent Givealittle page:

https://givealittle.co.nz/org/Billy-guyton

With love and gratitude,

The Billy Guyton Foundation 💚

Share this update

Read 2 more updates

Read more

Latest donations

Gabriel
Gabriel on 28 Dec 2025
$10
Billy Guyton Foundation

Thank you so much, Gabriel. We truly appreciate your kindness and support. Every donation has helped us continue this important work. 💚

Billy Guyton Foundation
Ray White Richmond
Ray White Richmond on 25 Nov 2025
“A Little Ray of Giving" kindly requested by Lauri and Jason
$500
Billy Guyton Foundation

Thank you so much to everyone at Ray White Richmond, and especially Lauri and Jason, for choosing the Billy Guyton Foundation as part of your “A Little Ray of Giving” initiative. Your incredible generosity has helped us support New Zealanders and their whānau affected by concussion, traumatic brain injury and probable CTE. We are so grateful for your belief in our mission. 💚

Billy Guyton Foundation
Jackie & KK
Jackie & KK on 21 Nov 2025
$200
Billy Guyton Foundation

Jackie & KK, thank you both so much. Your support wasn’t just a donation it was a reminder that we weren’t doing this alone. Thank you for standing beside us and helping us honour Billy and Shane in a way that continues to make a difference for others. We are incredibly grateful. 💚

Billy Guyton Foundation
Florence
Florence on 18 Nov 2025
Keep growing
Private
Billy Guyton Foundation

Thank you so much, Florence. 💚 Your message, “Keep growing,” has stayed with us, and we’re doing exactly that. Thank you for believing in us from the beginning.

Billy Guyton Foundation
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 15 Nov 2025
$20
Billy Guyton Foundation

Thank you so much for your generosity and support. Every donation, no matter the size, has helped us build something that is making a real difference. We are truly grateful. 💚

Billy Guyton Foundation

Who's involved?

Coutrney Hayford's avatar
Created by Coutrney Hayford
Billy's Sister Tori Guyton's avatar
Paying to a verified bank account of Billy's Sister Tori Guyton (Charity) on behalf of The Billy Guyton Foundation
Tax credit
Donations of over $5 are eligible for a New Zealand charitable giving tax credit.
Page Moderated
The page has been checked by our team to make sure it complies with our terms and conditions.

Help Fundraise

You can create your own page to help fundraise for this cause.

Any concerns?

Report this page
This campaign started on 18 Sep 2025 and ends on 18 Sep 2026.