Community spirit was out in full force at this year’s Celebrate Aberdeen parade - and thanks to Elior UK’s own Marius Coste, it came with extra laughter, colour, and joy.
Marius, group cleaning manager with Elior UK, is the driving force behind Miles of Smiles, an 18-month fundraising challenge where he’s pledged to run 50km every week until December 2026 — always in costume. His mission: to raise awareness and funds for SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) and Clan Cancer Support. So far, he has already covered more than 800km and raised over £1,100.
This weekend, Marius swapped running shoes for parade steps — taking part in Celebrate Aberdeen dressed head-to-toe in a giant inflatable Stitch costume, kindly loaned by CHEERZ Nightclub. With his daughter Anna guiding him through the crowds, Marius brought endless smiles to Union Street, from children pointing in delight to adults laughing out loud.
The highlight? A proud father-daughter moment, as both Marius and Anna appeared on STV News National, sharing their story of resilience, fundraising, and hope with viewers across Scotland.
Marius reflected: “Moments like this remind me why Miles of Smiles exists — to bring people together, to spark joy, and to show that even in the hardest times, we can still choose hope. I’m so grateful to everyone who cheered, waved, and believed in this mission.”
At Elior UK, we are deeply committed to Corporate Social Responsibility, supporting initiatives that strengthen communities, promote wellbeing, and make a tangible difference. Marius’s challenge perfectly mirrors this commitment, showing how individual dedication and corporate values can combine to inspire change, spread joy, and raise awareness for vital causes. We couldn’t be prouder of him — not just for the incredible kilometres, costumes, and fundraising, but for embodying our values of community, compassion, and care every single day.
