Traitors finalist Alexander helps to boost Mencap donations by more than £30,000

Traitors finalist Alexander Dragonetti has helped to boost Mencap donations by more than £30,000 after speaking about the charity’s impact on his younger brother.

During the series, the former British diplomat said his late sibling, who had global development delay and autism, used to go to summer camps set up by the organisation which supports people with learning disabilities.

In an episode where contestants discussed their reasons for wanting to win the prize on the BBC One show, Dragonetti said he would “love to put some money their way to keep it going”.

He failed to win series three of the hit TV show but inspired fans to donate after they heard his story.

Ciara Lawrence, engagement lead at Mencap, said: “I’ve really loved this new series of Traitors.

“It’s been really exciting and I’ve been watching it right from the beginning, and obviously I’m really delighted and pleased that Alexander talked about his brother who had a learning disability and how he wanted to support Mencap.

“That was really brilliant, and he’s mentioned it in the media as well.

“And I’m delighted to say that since the final the money raised for Mencap is £31,000.

“Thank you Alexander for being a brilliant role model for people like me (individuals with learning disabilities).”

Mary O’Hagan, executive director of fundraising at Mencap, said: “We are enormously grateful to Alexander for sharing his personal story about his brother, which has helped to raise awareness of people with a learning disability.

“And we must give a heartfelt thank you to Alexander’s fans who have been so touched by his story that they have made generous donations to Mencap.

“These donations are needed now more than ever as people with a learning disability continue to face extensive inequalities every day.

“Every penny will help us ensure people with a learning disability can live happy and healthy lives.”

On Friday, project manager Jake Brown and former soldier Leanne Quigley won series three of the show presented by Claudia Winkleman, which involves a group of strangers competing to win a prize of up to £120,000.

This year the winners shared a pot of £94,600.

Donate to Mencap at www.mencap.org.uk.