The Traitors finalist Alexander Dragonetti has inspired more than £30,000 in charity donations after opening up about his late brother’s learning disabilities on the show.
Mr Dragonetti told fellow contestants during the BBC show’s final that he would be donate some of the prize money to Mencap, an organisation that supports people with learning disabilities, if he won.
The former British diplomat said his late brother, who had Global Developmental Delay and autism, used to go to summer camps set up by the organisation, and that he would “love to put some money their way to keep it going”.
The 38-year-old failed to win the series, losing out to project manager Jake Brown and former soldier Leanne Quigley for the £94,600 prize pot.
But Mencap says he has inspired more than 2,000 people to make donations since the final, raising £31,000.
Mencap’s chief executive Jon Sparkes said the charity was “really grateful to Alexander for courageously sharing his personal story”.
He added: “Despite not winning on Friday night Alexander remained faithful to the end and captured the hearts of the nation – he is our champion!
“Telling his story has inspired a tremendous wave of generosity from the public. Their overwhelming support for Mencap has been incredible, with generous donations around £30,000.
“These donations are needed more now than ever as people with a learning disability continue to face extensive inequalities every day.
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“We know that when the experiences of people with a learning disability, and their loved ones, are represented in the media, it helps to change attitudes and make our society more inclusive,” Mr Sparkes added.
“We loved watching Alexander’s journey throughout the show and want to thank him for all that he’s done.”
‘This way, you still win’
The charity also shared some comments from anonymous donors inspired by the contestant.
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One read: “My son is non verbal autistic and severe learning difficulties. I have a monthly donation but this one is for Alexander, it’s what you wanted and this way, you still win. National treasure.”
“I have always had family friends with learning disabilities but it was Alexander from the traitors that inspired me to donate,” another read.
Another donator wrote: “I’m the parent of a child with learning disabilities who will need care in the future and I worry about his future when I’m gone every day.
“I also was moved by Alexander’s story on the traitors and wanted to donate to his cause even though he hadn’t won.”
