This week, Aberdeen city centre witnessed a remarkable display of resilience and purpose: Marius Coste, mental health advocate and facilities management leader at Elior UK, ran as Batman - not for costume or fun, but as a moving tribute to the power of choice in the face of loss.
After the passing of his grandfather, Marius carried a simple but powerful message: “Don’t let your struggle become your identity.”
Grief can shape us - but it doesn’t define us.
Through his Miles of Smiles campaign, Marius channels personal loss into action: each step, each pedal, each cold shower is a commitment to mental health, community support, and human connection. This week’s run was a reminder that continuing - even when everything inside you wants to stop - is itself a triumph.
Impact so far (since June 2025):
- 2,162 km completed through running, cycling, and walking
- £2,730+ raised for SAMH and Clan Cancer Support
- 164 cold showers | 37 cold dips
- Countless smiles and moments of reflection
This run wasn’t about speed or heroics - it was about honesty, courage, and honouring those we love by continuing forward.
Partner with Miles of Smiles:
Marius is happy to collaborate with businesses and community organisations hosting family fun events, charity walks, runs, or fancy-dress activities. Whether you’d like a unique feature for your event or someone to help put smiles on faces while supporting mental health and cancer charities, Miles of Smiles is ready to partner with you. Every step supports SAMH and Clan Cancer Support, creating impactful community engagement while raising awareness and funds for vital causes.
Marius’s story is a call to all businesses and individuals in Aberdeen & Grampian: resilience can be cultivated, purpose can emerge from loss, and impact grows when we act with heart.