Traitors fan-favourite inspires £46k charity gifts

Alexander Dragonetti talked about his late brother during a contestants' dinner on the show

A Traitors finalist has helped boost donations to a learning disability charity by more than £46,000.

Alexander Dragonetti told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire he was "so grateful" for donations to Mencap after the charity helped his late brother.

During the series, the former British diplomat, who attended Oundle School, Northamptonshire, said if he won, he would donate some of his prize money to the organisation.

Jon Sparkes, chief executive of the charity, said: "Telling his story has inspired a tremendous wave of generosity from the public."

Mr Dragonetti, 38, said his brother, who had global development delay and autism, used to go to summer camps set up by Mencap.

While he was voted out of the show in the final and did not win, Mr Dragonetti told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire his hope of donating some prize money was "effectively happening" as fans touched by his story had made donations.

"Anything I can do to try and raise the profile of that would be fantastic," he said.

"I know first-hand it's really hard for carers, parents, siblings of special needs children to both look after children and be political advocates, and if there is anything I can do to add my voice to that and be helpful then that would be my most proud takeaway."

More than 2,000 people gave to the Peterborough-based charity, with some taking to social media to share their reasons and encouraging others to donate.

Mr Sparkes said: "Despite not winning on Friday night, Alexander remained faithful to the end and captured the hearts of the nation – he is our champion.

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

Mary O'Hagan, Mencap's executive director of fundraising, said: "Every penny will help us ensure people with a learning disability can live happy and healthy lives."

Additional reporting by PA Media.