Mencap has received around £30,000 from over 2,000 donations after a BBC Traitors contestant said he wanted to win money for the charity that supported his late brother, who had global developmental delay.

On the show last week finalist Alexander Dragonetti said he wanted to win the money for the charity that helped his brother with summer camp trips.

He told his fellow contestants he’d “love to put some money their way to keep it going because it gives parents a break."

He added: “I thought was just a brilliant thing for my brother and a brilliant thing for my family, and I'd like to keep that kind of thing going."

Although he did not name Mencap specifically it is being reported by the media that he had been speaking about the charity.

Mencap said fans of the show who donated had taken to social media to encourage others to do the same.

“I’ve just donated on behalf of Alexander, my son has a learning disability, the struggle is real, thank you to Alex for shining a spotlight on this wonderful charity,” said one.

Another said: “Mencap also supported my brother before he moved into assisted living, his outings with his support workers and other service users were really good for his well-being.

Former diplomat Alexander was one of three contestants who ‘sacrificed’ themselves in the first episode so the other contestants could progress. He was later reintroduced into the show, reaching the final, which was won by Leanne Quigley and Jake Brown, who shared the £94,600 prize fund.

We’re overwhelmed by all the generous donations from Traitors fans after hearing Alexander Dragonetti’s story! 🎉

You’d wanted to know how much has been raised...

#TheTraitors #AlexanderDragonetti

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— Mencap (@mencap.bsky.social) January 27, 2025 at 2:48 PM

Mencap chief executive Jon Sparkes said: “We are really grateful to Alexander for courageously sharing his personal story about his late brother who had a learning disability on The Traitors.

“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.

"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. We loved watching Alexander’s journey throughout the show and want to thank him for all that he’s done.”

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