In a heartwarming display of community spirit, a cherished road sweeper from Beckenham is set to embark on the trip of a lifetime to Portugal, thanks to a successful fundraising campaign organized by local residents.
Paul Spiers, who has been a beloved figure in Beckenham since 2017, is known for his cheerful demeanor, lively music from his portable speaker, and diligent street-cleaning efforts. To celebrate his 63rd birthday on August 6, more than 150 contributors came together to fund his eagerly anticipated return to Portugal.
Spiers expressed his astonishment and gratitude in an interview with the News Shopper, saying, “I am overwhelmed by this generosity; I never expected anything like this. I want to thank every single person who contributed and especially Lisa Knight, who set up the fundraising page. My appreciation for Lisa is boundless.”
Lisa Knight, a local resident and branch manager at John D Wood & Co. on Beckenham High Street, initiated the GoFundMe campaign after witnessing Spiers working tirelessly through the intense summer heat. She explained, “Every day at five o’clock, no matter how tough it gets, Paul has Elvis playing. As someone named Lisa Marie, I find that Elvis always brightens my day. When I saw him working in the sweltering heat, I learned that he was saving to revisit Portugal for his birthday. That’s when I decided to start the fundraiser.”
Within just over a week, Knight and the community managed to raise over £2,600, surpassing the initial £2,000 target. Donations continue to pour in, with some contributors giving as much as £100.
Spiers and his brother, along with Knight, will visit travel agency TUI on August 7 to finalize the holiday arrangements. Reflecting on his previous trip to Portugal, which was a birthday gift from his siblings, Spiers remarked, “That was the first time I had traveled abroad in 60 years. We are now planning the trip for next year, and I can’t believe how much the GoFundMe has raised.”
Knight also shared her delight, noting, “It’s been incredibly touching to see such support. Many donors are familiar faces from Beckenham. Paul is a genuinely kind individual who takes great pride in his work. Despite the weather, he remains cheerful and greets everyone with a smile.”
The community’s support has not only fulfilled Spiers’ dream but also highlighted the deep appreciation for his dedicated service.