Mencap ambassador and Traitors star Alexander Dragonetti to take on Great North Run 2025
On Sunday 7 September, Alexander will join over 50,000 runners in Newcastle to tackle the 13.1 mile course and raise funds to support people with a learning disability.
Alexander said: “I’m proud to be running the Great North Run for Mencap, a cause close to my heart. My wonderful brother James had a learning disability and so I have seen first-hand the kind of support that Mencap and its network provides to support people like him. This is a great opportunity to give back - even if it means running quite a long way. I’m feeling nervous and excited but knowing it’s for such an important cause will keep me going.”
In a playful video released on social media today, Alexander is put through his paces by experienced marathon runner Aaron Plummer – a dedicated Mencap supporter with cerebral palsy and a learning disability.
Alexander officially became a Mencap ambassador in April 2025 after he opened up about his late brother, James, who had a learning disability, during his time on The Traitors.
To show your support and sponsor Alexander, please visit his fundraising page.
For further information, please contact Mencap’s media team on: [email protected] or 02076 965414 (including out of hours).
Note to editors
About Mencap
Mencap exists to ensure the UK is the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. We support people directly and
campaign
A campaign is when people work together to try to change something.
with people with a learning disability, their families and carers. We work to change laws, increase representation and campaign for better health,
social care
Social care means the services that give care and support to people who need it.
and
employment
Employment means having a job.
opportunities for the 1.5 million people with a learning disability in the UK.
What is a learning disability?
- A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability which affects someone for their whole life. Typically, people with a learning disability need more time to learn and process information. They may need extra support to develop skills, complete tasks and interact with others, or they may have more complex needs requiring round-the clock care. The level of support needed is different for everyone and may change during a person’s lifetime.
- Learning disability is NOT a mental illness or a learning difficulty. Often, the term ‘learning difficulty’ is wrongly used in place of ‘learning disability’. Having a learning difficulty (such as ADHD or
dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty. People who have dyslexia can find it hard to read, write and spell.
) may mean a person learns at a different pace or in a different way BUT – unlike a learning disability - it does not affect a person’s intellect. With the right support, most people with a learning disability can lead happy, healthy, independent lives. At Mencap, it’s our mission to remove societal barriers and shatter misconceptions to make this more possible for more people.
Mencap’s guide to reporting on Learning Disability
When it comes to creating content with people with a learning disability, we know many people feel nervous about saying and doing the wrong thing. Our guide for journalists, covers everything from up-to-date facts and figures to the right language to use. It also includes tips on how to work with people with a learning disability to gather the best content.
