Alexander Dragonetti, a finalist on the hit BBC reality show The Traitors, has experienced overwhelming support from fans after they raised more than £70,000 for the learning disability charity Mencap, following his heartfelt revelations about his late brother. Dragonetti expressed his gratitude, stating, "The funny thing is I said I'd donate some of my winnings to a charity and, in its own way, this is a version of winning, right? This is more than I'd ever have won," as reported by the BBC.
The funds were amassed after Dragonetti shared his personal story on The Traitors, highlighting his brother's struggles with Global Developmental Delay and autism, which had deeply affected his family. Alexander, now 38, reminisced about the special bond he had with his brother, who passed away at the age of 17, when Alexander was just 24. He shared how attending the Mencap summer camps together brought joy and relief to both him and his family.
During his participation on The Traitors, Dragonetti connected with viewers by discussing those summer camping experiences, saying it was "one of the happiest periods of my life". During the show, he noted, "He could just be himself in the environment, and what it meant to my parents is they got a break for a week and they could go and do some other stuff. That week, even among much of the year, matters so much." His narrative touched many viewers, leading to their generous donations.
After being eliminated from the competition, Dragonetti discussed the impacts of his story on ITV's Good Morning Britain, where he explained how difficult it was to share such personal experiences but whole-heartedly emphasized, "I’m so glad I did." He added, "It was treated really sensitively and the response too has been so important. I’m deeply grateful for people who donated and raised awareness." His sincerity and vulnerability during the show allowed him to connect with others, creating empathy and visibility for individuals with learning disabilities.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by families with special needs, Dragonetti stated, "I'm just so grateful to have had the opportunity to talk about the importance of special needs and how challenging it can be for families." The support from the public was seen not only as financial but also as validating the struggles and triumphs of those dealing with similar situations.
Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive of Mencap, expressed deep appreciation for Dragonetti’s openness. "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, Alexander has captured the hearts of the nation – he is our champion!" His comments underscored how Dragonetti’s experiences have sparked conversations surrounding learning disabilities, turning personal grief and loss – often left unspoken – to uplifting discussions about awareness and support.
The public’s reaction to Dragonetti has been overwhelmingly affirming, with many fans calling him "the people's winner". Commenters on social media conveyed their admiration for his kindness and heartfelt narrative, encapsulating the impact of sharing such personal challenges on national platforms. One viewer remarked, "You might not have won the show but the goal you set out to achieve is being fulfilled! It’s fantastic and such important work for Mencap!"
Despite not receiving the actual prize money, Dragonetti's story has proven to be more impactful than any monetary reward. The increased awareness and substantial contributions to Mencap not only honor his brother’s memory but also provide support for countless families facing similar challenges.