Street Cleaner Finally Goes on Holiday

Paul Spiers, a Beckenham resident, is set to enjoy a much-anticipated vacation to the Algarve, thanks to the generosity of his local community, which raised £3,000 to send him on the trip. Initially, there was uncertainty regarding his acceptance of the prize, but his employer, Veolia, later confirmed they had no objections to him participating in the holiday contest. The competition required participants to meet specific criteria, including a love for Elvis and being a street cleaner in Beckenham. Speaking from his sun lounger in Portugal, Paul expressed his excitement about returning to a place he previously described as “paradise.” He is accompanied by his brother, Dave, who noted that Paul had only recently acquired a passport, highlighting how travel was not previously on his radar. Paul is eager to explore the local cuisine, stating he plans to try many new dishes during his stay. Veolia issued a statement acknowledging the community's support for Paul and confirmed their approval of his holiday win. They also addressed the funds raised by the community, clarifying that the decision regarding the use of those funds rests with the fundraiser. In a show of solidarity, Veolia has pledged to match the amount raised, with the total donation going to Cancer Research, a cause that holds special significance for Paul.