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.
Dragonetti had said he wanted to donate some of his potential prize money to the organisation in tribute to his brother. 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. viewers rallied around the cause Although he left the competition without the winnings.
James had global developmental delay and autism, and he died at the age of 17, when Alexander was 24. The charity says around 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability. Because of the difference it had made to his brother and family, dragonetti said he wanted to support the charity.
Dragonetti spoke about his brother James during the third series of The Traitors, explaining the importance of the support his family had received. He described the experience as meaningful for both his brother and his 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. 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. 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. 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.