From Bin Bags to Breakthrough: How Dave Linton Is Giving Children in Care Their Dignity Back

With no business background, just £480 in his pocket, and a powerful drive to make a difference, Dave Linton set out to rewrite his story and restore dignity to thousands of children in care, a mission that would later see him named Northern Ireland Randal Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2024 Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Dave’s career path wasn’t always focused on business. For more than twenty years, he worked in youth services, committed to supporting and guiding young people through their challenges. 

Alongside his professional efforts, Dave and his wife opened their home to children in need, becoming adoptive parents and providing respite care. These personal and professional experiences gave Dave a unique, firsthand understanding of the difficulties children in care often face.

In 2015, Dave took a bold step, armed with nothing but a strong sense of purpose and a clear mission: to restore dignity to children in care. The inspiration came from a heartbreaking discovery: many children were moving their belongings in black bin bags, a symbol of their instability and lack of personal belonging. 

This insight struck Dave deeply, and he knew he had to do something about it. 

Determined to make a difference, he founded Madlug. Madlug (short for “Make a Difference Luggage”) was born from a simple, striking idea: Buy one, Wear one, Help one. For every bag purchased, the company donates a travel bag to a child in care, ensuring they have something of their own to carry their belongings with dignity. 

Dave shared, “At Madlug, we exist to show every child and young person in the care system that they have huge value, huge worth and dignity. For us, giving them dignity is giving them a proper bag.”

What started as a personal initiative has since grown into a nationwide force for good, with over 100,000 bags donated and a ripple effect of awareness and action spreading through society and the media.

That mission was recognised at the 2024 Great British Entrepreneur Awards, where Dave was named Northern Ireland Randal Foundation Entrepreneur of the Year. The award, backed by the Randal Charitable Foundation, celebrates entrepreneurs who show extraordinary integrity, innovation, and impact. 

Dave’s journey of transforming a single moment of heartbreak into a national platform for dignity epitomises the very essence of that recognition.

The Randal Charitable Foundation, sponsor of the award, is dedicated to saving and improving lives, supporting projects that leave a lasting legacy. 

Their partnership with the Great British Entrepreneur Awards underscores a shared belief: that entrepreneurship can and should be a force for social good. And by backing founders like Dave, they’re investing in a future where impact-driven innovation takes centre stage.

Every year, thousands more children enter the care system and too many still face the same indignity Dave set out to change. Madlug’s mission continues, reminding each child that they are seen, valued, and worthy of moving through life with dignity. Every purchase, donation, or show of support helps carry that message further. 

Madlug has set its sights on expanding its reach, both in terms of product lines and community partnerships. Dave remains steadfast in his belief that real change happens when everyday people take action and that businesses like his can be vehicles for that transformation.

As the 2025 Great British Entrepreneur Awards open for entries, Dave’s story is a reminder of what’s possible when purpose drives action. 

Let’s celebrate the ones who carry hope because they’re the ones changing the world.

Do you know a founder whose impact speaks louder than words? Or maybe it’s your turn to share your entrepreneurial journey with the world.

Apply for the 2025 Great British Entrepreneur Awards here 

Or nominate a founder who deserves recognition here