While most of us can appreciate the hardships that come with being placed into the care system as a child, not many of us know about the smaller problems they face, like having to carry all their belongings around in black bin bags.
One man was so heartbroken to hear that most children in care transport their belongings by bin bag, that decided to do something about it.
With just £480 to his name, Dave Linton, a youth worker from Belfast, created a backpack brand called Madlug, with a 'buy one, give one' approach.
The brand, which stands for Make A Difference Luggage, is a line of backpacks, which retail at around £30 each - but for every bag sold, another bag will be given to a child in care.
Advert
With more than 90,000 children in care in the UK and Ireland, Dave wants to highlight some of the realities they are experiencing every day.
When Madlug began back in 2015, Dave insisted he didn't want to be "a campaigner or a big stick," but that to create a cook lifestyle brand with a meaningful back story.
The brand recently shared a heartfelt open letter from a young person who received a backpack thanks to Madlug, highlighting the good work of the movement.
"I am writing to express how moved and grateful I am to you and the work that you are doing. It is unfortunately not often that someone trapped within the care system and with life experiences that I have is made to feel worthy or valued, or allowed to feel cared for.
Advert
"I wanted to thank you as when I received a bag off you, with the handwritten note, and the clear thought and care that is embedded in your work, I felt a surge of warmth and compassion.
"It felt wonderful to know that there are people who invest their time and energy into showing love and respect to others, and that despite knowing nothing about me you felt I was deserving and worth compassion."
For more information on the Madlug story, or to get involved head to the official website.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/MadlugTopics: Life News, Real, Style