After 15 years streetcleaner Paul O’Donoghue could be forgiven for putting his feet up.

But the soon-to-retire Kirklees Council worker has big ambitions.

When he retires in April he will fulfil a lifetime ambition to walk the Camino de Santiago, known as St James Way, between France and Spain.

And he’ll embark on the 500 mile trek despite having a pacemaker fitted.

Paul’s colleagues have been collecting for his retirement but instead of funding the trip of a lifetime, Paul will be donating all money raised to Ward 5, the respiratory and cardiology ward, at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary as a thank you for the treatment he has received.

Ten years ago he discovered he had heart problems after a series of falls and is now fitted with a Pacemaker.

Paul feels he is ready to tackle the route as he regularly walks, both for his job and leisure, saying: “I have always enjoyed walking; I walked and hitched in Europe several times when I was younger, have completed the Pennine Way and Three Peaks and recently walked from Hebden Bridge to Huddersfield which is around 16 miles.”

His team manager John Beckett said: “Paul has been a wonderful asset, not only to cleansing services but the council as a whole.

“We will miss him but we all want to wish Paul good luck for his walk and for a long and happy retirement, he truly deserves it.”

The walk is a series of ancient pilgrim routes finishing at the tomb of Saint James in Santiago, Spain; he will take the gruelling 500 mile Camino Francés route from St Jean-Pied-du-Port near Biarritz.

People have been walking the route for over 1000 years and it’s even inspired a Hollywood film – The Way – featuring Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez.

Paul’s interest in the walk was sparked years ago.

Whilst hitch hiking around Europe he saw 15 monks walking with crosses on their backs and wondered what they were doing, he then learnt about the pilgrimage and has wanted to take part since.

It’s only now that he’s retiring that he has time on his hands to realise his dream.

Paul plans to walk 12-15 miles a day over 40 days at a steady pace and will stay in hostels along the route that offer shelter and food to pilgrims for a donation.