A powerful local fundraising and wellbeing initiative is continuing to resonate across Aberdeen, the North-east and beyond.
Miles of Smiles, now in Month 8 of a 19-month journey, has reached another significant milestone following a deeply reflective January — a month that mirrored the realities of mental health challenges, resilience, and personal loss faced by many within our communities.
The initiative is led by Marius Coste, an Aberdeen-based facilities professional with Elior UK, who has combined endurance challenges with creative public engagement to raise awareness and funds for mental health and cancer support services.
January began in Aberdeen, with a run completed in blizzard conditions while unwell — a deliberate act symbolising the determination required to keep moving forward when physical and mental resilience are tested. Activities then moved to Glasgow, where visibility, colour and public interaction were used to bring moments of positivity and conversation into the winter months.
Following the recent passing of a close family member, the initiative took on deeper meaning. A memorial run through Glasgow transformed grief into purposeful movement, before returning to Aberdeen, carrying a clear message through the city:
“Don’t let your struggle become your identity.”
January concluded with a quiet, reflective run through cold rain in Aberdeen — representing how grief and mental health challenges often evolve from overwhelming moments into longer journeys that require compassion, understanding and sustained support.
The initiative has also gained media recognition, with Miles of Smiles featured in the latest issue of The Southsider Magazine, highlighting its distinctive approach to wellbeing advocacy through endurance, creativity and openness.
Impact to Date (since June 2025)
• 2,215 kilometres completed through running, walking and cycling
• £2,730+ raised for SAMH and Clan Cancer Support
• 174 cold showers and 38 cold-water dips completed to promote resilience
• Numerous community conversations and moments of connection across Scotland
The project demonstrates how individual leadership, when combined with openness and commitment, can generate meaningful community impact — supporting vital services while encouraging healthier conversations around mental wellbeing and grief.
Support the Journey
Members and the wider community are invited to support and share the initiative:
Mental Health Fundraising (SAMH):
www.justgiving.com/page/frompaintopurpose
Cancer Support Fundraising (Clan Cancer Support):
www.justgiving.com/page/hopeovercancer
Follow the Journey
• Facebook & LinkedIn: Marius Coste
• X (Twitter): @SmilesRunner
• Instagram: @milesofsmilesrun
• TikTok: @smilesrunner
The journey continues with a clear message:
Mental health struggles and grief do not disappear — but they can be carried with purpose.