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 💙
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.
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.
💚 A Final Thank You 5 August 2026
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 💚
Thank you so much, Gabriel. We truly appreciate your kindness and support. Every donation has helped us continue this important work. 💚
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. 💚
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. 💚
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.
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. 💚
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