An Aberdeen-based Facilities Management professional at Elior is using an extraordinary charity challenge to highlight the importance of mental health awareness, supportive workplaces and compassionate leadership.
Marius Coste, founder of Miles of Smiles, recently visited The Nook by SAMH in Glasgow dressed as Superman for a special Movember appearance, helping raise awareness of men’s mental health and the importance of accessible support.
Now in Week 74 of his 82-week challenge, Marius has completed 4,704km through running, cycling and walking, raised more than £12,751 for SAMH and Clan Cancer Support, and maintained 74 consecutive weeks without missing a single week.
The campaign began following the heartbreaking loss of Marius and his wife’s three babies between 2020 and 2021. What started as a personal journey has developed into a sustained commitment to supporting others and raising awareness of mental health and cancer support.
Alongside his fundraising, Marius hopes to encourage businesses and employers to put people at the centre of their workplace culture.
He believes colleagues should feel safe to speak openly, ask for help and be listened to without judgement, regardless of their position or job title.
His message to the North-east business community is simple: strength is not about staying silent, and effective leadership starts with listening.
With just eight weeks remaining, Miles of Smiles continues to champion its message:
YOU ARE NEVER ALONE.