A street cleaner from Beckenham who recently captured the hearts of the nation has finally landed in Albufeira, Portugal, for his long-awaited second-ever holiday.
Paul Spiers, 63, has spent years keeping Beckenham’s streets clean while spreading joy with his cheerful personality and Elvis music played from his portable speaker.
This weekend, Paul jetted off from Gatwick Airport, landing in Faro, where he was greeted with an airport transfer to the Monica Isabel Beach Club - the same hotel where he stayed on his first holiday for his 60th birthday.
The hotel has incredible views overlooking the beach, has lots of activities on offer, a number of pools to keep cool and is located just six minutes from Albufeira.
Accompanied by his brother David, Paul is set to enjoy a week of relaxation in 32-degree sunshine at the beachside resort.
In the end Paul’s holiday was made possible by the package holiday company, On the Beach, who organised a special "competition" that ensured Paul would be the winner to thank him for his work and joy that be brought to the community.
Paul said: “It’s been an incredible week and I am so thankful for the support of the local community, my friends, family and On the Beach.
“Me and my brother David are sat in the sunshine, relaxing and enjoying our holiday already.”
On the Beach arranged free lounge access at the airport and provided an all-inclusive package so that Paul and his brother can fully enjoy all the food and drink they desire during their stay.
Paul drew the attention of On The Beach after he became the focus of a community fundraiser, as residents and local businesses united to fund his return to Portugal as a birthday present.
A friend and local resident Lisa Knight started the GoFundMe to pay for Paul's holiday, however, in a letter to Bromley Council, Beckenham and Penge MP Liam Conlon revealed that contractor Veolia had informed Paul he cannot accept the money due to contractual obligations with the council.
His employer, Veolia, cited policies preventing staff from accepting monetary gifts outside of their pay structure, but agreed to match the funds raised as of August 9, with the amount to be donated to a charity of Paul’s choice.
Despite the setbacks, in the end Paul’s holiday was made possible by the package holiday company, On the Beach, who organised a special "competition" that ensured Paul would be the winner.
A spokesperson for On the Beach said: “The competition stated that, to win, you must love Elvis, be between the ages of 62 and 64, have a surname of Spiers, be a street cleaner in Beckenham and be loved by your local community.”
Lisa, Local Resident and Branch Manager at John D Wood & Co. in Beckenham said: “I’m overjoyed that Paul is finally on a beach enjoying his dream holiday. When I started the fundraising this is all I wanted to happen.
“So to know he is in the sunshine enjoying some well-deserved relaxation makes me and I’m sure the rest of the UK incredibly happy.
“I want to say a huge thank you to the local community in Beckenham who have been so generous and have supported this cause right from the very start – it is a true testament to what a special place it is.”
Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On the Beach said: “The people of Britain can breathe a sigh of relief, Paul Spiers is on a beach in Portugal at last.
“It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions for us all but we’re so happy knowing that millions of people will have a smile on their face looking at pictures of Paul living his best life on a Portuguese beach.”
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