Alexander Dragonetti did not win the third series of the BBC reality show The Traitors, but his appearance inspired an extraordinary response from viewers. After sharing the story of his late brother, James, who had a learning disability and autism, the former British diplomat inspired thousands of people to donate to Mencap, a UK charity that had supported his family. Dragonetti had said he wanted to donate some of his potential prize money to the organisation in tribute to his brother. Although he left the competition without the winnings, viewers rallied around the cause. Donations initially reached around £30,000 before climbing further, with Mencap announcing in April 2025 that the fundraising total had reached approximately £95,000. The charity later recorded £96,556 raised through the campaign.
How Dragonetti’s brother inspired the fundraising
Dragonetti spoke about his brother James during the third series of The Traitors, explaining the importance of the support his family had received. James had global developmental delay and autism, and he died at the age of 17, when Alexander was 24.Mencap had supported James through its summer camps, which gave him opportunities to spend time with others. Dragonetti also volunteered at the camps, which provided families with a break from their caring responsibilities. He described the experience as meaningful for both his brother and his family.Dragonetti said he wanted to support the charity because of the difference it had made to his brother and family. His decision to speak publicly about James brought attention to the experiences of families caring for people with learning disabilities and helped direct viewers towards Mencap.
Donations rose rapidly after the show’s final
The fundraising response gathered pace after the series finale aired in January 2025. On January 27, Mencap reported that it had received more than 2,000 donations, bringing the total to around £30,000. Sky News subsequently reported that the donations had reached £31,000.The response continued to grow. By January 31, donations had exceeded £70,000, according to Sky News. On April 10, 2025, Mencap announced that around £95,000 had been raised following Dragonetti’s appearance on the programme.Mencap’s fundraising impact report for 2024-25 later recorded a total of £96,556, raised through 5,510 cash donors and 196 regular givers. The charity said some of the funds would support respite activities similar to the summer camp James had attended.
Dragonetti joined Mencap as an official supporter
On April 10, 2025, Mencap announced that Dragonetti had become an official high-profile supporter. The charity also released a video showing him making surprise calls to people who had donated after hearing his story, thanking them for their generosity and asking what had motivated them to contribute.Dragonetti said the fundraising response had been incredible and stressed that he wanted to do more than raise money. He also wanted to increase awareness of learning disabilities, challenge stigma and promote greater understanding and inclusion.During the calls, he heard from donors about their own experiences of learning disabilities and how the issue had affected their families. He said hearing their stories was humbling and often moving, even during brief conversations.Mencap chief executive Jon Sparkes welcomed Dragonetti’s support, saying that sharing his family’s story had helped raise awareness and encouraged people to understand the experiences of those with learning disabilities.
What is Mencap, and how does it support families?
Mencap is a UK charity that supports people with learning disabilities and their families. Its work includes providing direct support, campaigning for better services and opportunities, challenging discrimination and promoting greater inclusion.The charity says around 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability. It campaigns for their rights and works to improve access to health and social care, employment opportunities and support for families.The money raised following Dragonetti’s appearance helped fund Mencap’s work, including respite activities for people with learning disabilities and their families. Such activities can offer participants opportunities to socialise and take part in experiences outside their usual routines, while giving family carers time to rest.
His story resonated with viewers
The response extended beyond the initial wave of donations. Mencap published messages from people who said Dragonetti’s story had encouraged them to contribute, including parents of children with learning disabilities and people whose families had benefited from similar support. Some donors said they had given specifically because of his appearance on the programme.The charity said sharing the experiences of people with learning disabilities and their loved ones can help change attitudes and make society more inclusive. Dragonetti’s story also highlighted the role that respite services and community activities can play in supporting families.Although Dragonetti did not win The Traitors, his tribute to James prompted a substantial fundraising response. What began as his intention to donate some of his potential prize money became a public campaign that raised nearly £100,000 for the charity that had supported his brother.
