The Miles of Smiles initiative continues its 82-week programme focused on movement-based engagement, mental health awareness, and community participation, delivered in collaboration with Sport Aberdeen.
This week marks Week 46 of the project.
As Glasgow reflected themes associated with the Commonwealth Games legacy, a 5km walking activation was delivered in Glasgow city centre, focused on encouraging public engagement around movement, wellbeing, and inclusion.
Further detail on the initiative is available via Sport Aberdeen’s published member story:
https://www.sportaberdeen.co.uk/news/member-story-marius-coste
Programme Leadership & Context
The initiative is led by Marius Coste, Group Manager and Leader at Elior UK, who is also involved in delivering community-based wellbeing and engagement activity through the use of the Sport Aberdeen mascot.
The mascot activation is being used as part of a wider national fundraising and awareness campaign in support of:
- Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH)
- Clan Cancer Support
This forms part of an ongoing 82-week fundraising and movement-based wellbeing campaign.
Partnership Context
The ongoing collaboration with Sport Aberdeen is aligned to shared public health and community development objectives, with a focus on:
- Encouraging physical activity as a contributor to mental wellbeing
- Supporting inclusive participation through visible community engagement
- Strengthening awareness of wellbeing initiatives in public spaces
Public Engagement Activity
This week included a public engagement activation featuring “Don the Bull,” a campaign character used within outreach activity.
The activation incorporated visible health awareness elements, including a glucose monitoring device, intended to reflect the diversity of health conditions and lived experiences within communities.
The activity generated informal public engagement during the Glasgow city centre walk, including interaction and conversation with members of the public.
Programme Impact Summary (Week 46)
46 of 82 weeks completed
2,880 km total distance covered
£3,318 raised to date for SAMH and Clan Cancer Support
224 cold water exposure sessions (cold showers)
50 cold water immersion sessions
An additional £7,000 was previously raised in support of SAMH in 2021.
Programme Focus
The initiative continues to operate across three core themes:
- Movement as a preventative health and wellbeing tool
- Visibility of mental health and chronic health conditions
- Community engagement through public participation activity
Support & Donations
Funds raised through the programme support the following organisations:
Mental Health Support
https://www.justgiving.com/page/frompaintopurpose
Cancer Support
https://www.justgiving.com/page/hopeovercancer
Further Information & Updates
Facebook / LinkedIn: Marius Coste
X (Twitter): @SmilesRunner
Instagram: @milesofsmilesrun
TikTok: @smilesrunner
Summary
The Miles of Smiles programme continues to demonstrate how structured, community-based movement initiatives can contribute to broader public health and wellbeing objectives, particularly in relation to mental health awareness and inclusive participation.
The partnership with Sport Aberdeen remains ongoing as the programme progresses through its final phase.