Mr Pigdens greatest honour was his student representing his nation. Mr Wright's greatest honour was laying a plaque to commemorate the teacher who inspired him.
Who couldn't love 'Wrigh'y'? He's just warmth and enthusiasm to the core. Actually, in saying that though, as a player I certainly didn't like him. Back then he just seemed gobby and nasty. But to mitigate my early impressions of him, I was listening to this entire episode of Desert Island Discs - one so good I remember when and where I was and even what the weather was like (crap, of course) - in which he did admit to becoming back then a person above his station and one he is now not proud of. Easily done when the world is at your feet and your ego being fed by all around you, and he's clearly man enough to look back on his younger self with a critical eye. And for any racists out there, there is not a more dedicated-to-the-core England fan out there.
I have recently retired from teaching troubled lads in Liverpool. I was privileged to be best man at one lad’s wedding as he made a success of his life but unfortunately I stood at one of my lad’s graveside who was out of reach and took 8 bullets to the chest. I am recovering from surgery for cancer but reflecting on my life I have been blessed to have been a member of the teaching profession.
I've gone down a bit of a rabbit hole after finding the viral clip on tik tok, learning a lot about Ian and Mr pigden. I hope your recovery has gone well, I recall some lovely teachers I was blessed with being taught by in secondary. I'm glad you made the same impact as they did for me
Thank you for your service to the human family. In these dark times people like you give others hope. I am the son of a woman beating crack addict. In school I was the class clown , behind the fake smile was a deep sorrow. My unit teachers were amazing , they had no idea what I was going through but their smiles and positives quotes made my day a lot better. They really cared for me and 12 other misfits. The only teachers not to give up on us. My story got worse before it got better but in my jail cell I found god. 16 years later I have a wonderful wife , son and my own home. A family life I could only of dreamed of as a kid. Thank you to all the unit teachers at Hampstead school . And your self a great educator. God bless you sir 🙏🏽🙏🏽
@@jayjaycaracas413 Wow! Jay that’s a powerful reply. It just goes to show that if someone is prepared to put in the spade work it will eventually pay dividends. All the very best to you and your family.
The Plaque reads: In recognition of Sydney Charles Pigden for his dedicated service to the Lewisham community: WW2 Spitfire pilot, Teacher at Turnham school, Secretary Lewisham Primary Schools Football Association, & Sports Coach and Mentor
“I know he loved me, I know he chose me, I have no idea why he did.” I really hope as a teacher myself, ONE kid feels I made them feel this special and IMPORTANT.
Colour of our skin should never divide us. We should all show humanity love and compassion towards each other no matter what Skin colour religion or culture we are. Mr pigden sounded like a great inspiration . We could always do with more people like him in the world stepping up.
Imagine a WWII veteran tell you he is more proud of you than when he survived the war and was one of the chosen few to fly over Buckingham Palace, that is something that just cannot be replicated.
"I needed more and he gave it to me" That's the power a teacher can have on a kid who might be really struggling. I was lucky I had 3 teachers like this, I didn't know it at the time but they were my biggest champions besides my mum
Mr Pigden was a tremendous influence on Ian Wright's life. Ian's biological father was absent from a young age, and he was brought up by his mother, Nesta, and an abusive stepfather. Wright described his teacher Sydney Pigden as "the first positive male figure that I had in my life".
The reason we're all crying along with you Ian is because your experience symbolizes the experiences so many of us have had with a special teacher who made a difference in our lives.
I’m crying while reading this comment and I had to say I agree with you, all the teachers and the mentors are something I cannot be grateful enough for in this lifetime.
I live in Australia, and I know nothing of Ian Wright, but the sincerity, and love for his teacher, was so palpable and beautiful. Tears are often misunderstood, as weakness, but they express what words cannot, from unseen regions of the soul, that only the bravest express.
I can't remember how many times I've seen this video and the original but EVERY time I hear Mr Pigden say, "Hello, Ian", in that soft voice I start choking up already. Ian knew exactly who it was.
Not to compare at all, but this is a relationship reminiscent of Mike Tyson and Cus D'Amato. Very influential men that will always hold a special part in the life and hearts of a kid. I love this story.
It also shows when he spoke about hugging him when he was several steps up, he felt like he was 7 again. Wow!! It's POWERFUL!! Healing that inner child!! Deep in ALL of us is a little child needing Healing and Love!!! They really should make this a movie!!! I am balling my eye's our!! So 💯 HEARTWARMINGLY BEAUTIFUL!! RIP Mr Pigdon!! 😢😭😥🙏🤗💝🥰😍
Do not apologize Ian. We are all crying with you. Im sitting here with tears watching over and over again how you met your teacher again. This is humanity. Humanity how it should be and luckily how in many cases it is.
The respect and Love that Wrighty has for Mr Pigden shows the huge influence that Mr Piigden had on not just Wrightys career but his entire life. Sleep well Mr Pigden.
Just viewed this on the 2nd January 2022 and if this poignant video doesn't make anyone emotional and sad then there is no hope in the world. Full respect to Ian for remembering and respecting his past.
Ian should tour schools and spread that message of love and respect, so many young lads need a Mr Pidgen and I'm sure Ian could carry that flame across the nation.
Who else is crying watching the different versions of this video online? You’re crying, I’m crying, everybody’s crying. Total cryfest from all of us commenting.😢❤😢
Mr. Pigden paid attention to a kid. He showed patience and most importantly, he showed love to a kid who needed. Take the time to give your time to a child. You never know what a tremendous difference you can make to a child like Ian.
Pieter from South Africa..i have watched this clip over and over many times...what an example this teacher was...and what respect in return...one of my favorite video clips to watch....thank a mill..
This is why compassion matters! Always be aware that your compassion and kindness is never lost, it's never wasted. It will always feed and contribute to the good in someone and by that benefit us all. This is just one beautiful story, but we can try and do the same.
This man was more than a teacher. Their reunion in that video us a real tearjerker!! Such a wholesome occasion ☺️. Heaven gained another angel 😇. Rest in peace, Mr Pidgen 🙏🏿
If you think your words and actions dont affect the kids in your life, just watch this a few times. This teacher gave this kid the sense of worth that carried him to an amazing life and career. Bautiful tribute, well done.
I believe that Mr. Pigden said that to him is because when a man is called to war, he answers the call. It is the basic element of being a man. He was called into action, so he did his job to the best of his ability. And they asked him to fly over Buckingham Palace for it. But him guiding Ian Wright as a young boy, watching him grow into the man he is and achieve what he did...that is truly an impact on the next generation and something that means something deeply personal to you as a mentor. I know when I coached football, seeing those young men grow and achieve and learn was what fueled me to bring it every day. It's what I take pride in, I could give a damn about the W's and L's. I just want the future to succeed and find happiness.
The thing that tug at you heart was so minor in all of it, the speed at which he removed his hat and the expression of unabridged respect took hold of his face. My god that got to me. The pure respect between the men, and how humble his teacher was.
I am Spurs through and through but even when he was scoring against us I could only hate him for a moment 😀 when he was playing for England he was so passionate .Great footballer. Even in his punditry he is passionate and funny. You cant help but like the man .
Lovely to hear Ian talk about his love for a man that helped him in his early days. I’m a Man Utd fan and Ian is a true gentleman and he was a marvellous player.
I had a superbly talented friend who played cricket with us as children here in Barbados, not too far from where Rihanna was born, but unfortunately, this guy never met his guiding figure. Unfortunately, his talent was wasted in drugs and violence. Sometimes, I sit and wonder what might have been for him because he was so innately talented. He cried once when I asked him about it. He even asked me to stop reminding him about it. We need more guiding lights like Mr Pigden all over the world.
Ian, I have seen this so many times, and yet it gets me every time.. As a Veteran myself living in Lewisham, I can only wish that my existence has such a positive impact as Mr Pigden's had on you pal... Good luck in your future.. Rest In Peace Mr P.... We Will Remember Them....
