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
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 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.
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.
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 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".
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!! 😢😭😥🙏🤗💝🥰😍
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.
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.
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 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 🙏🏿
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.
You could see how much the "father" Teacher meant to him. When he saw the man, his smile went poof in a second, hat off in a sign of true respect... and then tears.
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.😢❤😢
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.
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.
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.
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.
That is twice you cried recollecting on this man - there is no shame in remembering such a strong influence on your life and I bet you felt more pride unveiling his plaque than winning all the trophies you did!
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.
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.
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.
The clip where they meet in the grandstands is my all time favorite on YT. What a heartwarming story, all of it, from start to finish. Somebody should make a movie.
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....
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.
Adopting more responsibility will give you purpose in your life. We are all crying with you man, we all had a man just like this in our lives. May they live forever!
I never cried this much since titanic Ian Wright and his teacher will be forever legends and Ian Wright was a icon of the footballing world remember that his teacher was in the world war god bless Mr pigden
You want to know what respect looks like? Watch the way Ian removed his hat in the presence of his mentor and friend. Manners maketh the man, Sir you did a fantastic job, Ian you gave a wonderful tribute and carried the torch further on.
Teachers like this truly make a difference. I had a troubled childhood as well, but had teachers that went out of their way to help. Back then in school I sometimes even resented them. But now, years later I am truly grateful to them from the bottom of my heart.
What a lovely corner of UA-cam. So glad I’ve found this story and the lovely comments in the chat. Restores a bit of my faith in humanity again after some of what we here in the news.
![Ian Wright | Nothing To Something [Full Episode]](/img/n.gif)
To say he was more proud of Ian’s achievement than his own, that’s not a teacher that’s a father. You can feel the love in Ian’s voice.
Ian is more proud to reveal "his teatcher plaque" on a suburban school; more then won any international football game...
@@josephbesancenot8364 of course he is, he wouldn’t be where he is today without that man.
This is so true …
Amen
A lesson to so many men.
We sure were crying with you, brother.
A real man can shed a few tears now and again.
Man, I came here still crying from their reunion video, I wasn't ready for this one, too. Legends both.
@@TonyEnglandUK yeah it could hold the first video but this one hit different
This is the first time I’ve cried in over 5 years. Goes to show
im refusing to wipe them away, just let them roll their own course for them both.
10000%
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.
Circle of life.
I'm still crying listening to Wrighty, wow.
Brings tears to my eyes
Mr Pigden the people like you are the really icons of the world. May you rest in heaven ❤️
I couldn't agree with you more he's an angel God needed back
Unsung hero
RIP Mr Pigden, proud of you and of Ian Wright
Facts
Yes. Mr Pigden comes from the greatest generation that ever lived in our time of the century!
Hits hard when he said he felt he was 7 again
That part got me good
That’s humility. To know a man’s significance in your life and bring yourself still lower then him even in the prime of your years .
That's facts you could see it when he took the hat off
Me also!
It sure does, an emotional piece
“they’ll all be crying with you, ian, don’t worry” yeah… you’re damn right about that one. love wrighty, this really hits home
It just shows that, whoever you are, you can have this much of an impact on someone else's life.
@@TonyEnglandUK And therefore so important that you are always being the best you can be.
When the student surpasses his mentor but still humble to bow his head in his presence. A true class act.
Well said
Beautifully said...
I don’t believe he feels he surpassed him tbh
Nah he ain't surpassed him.I just love the fact that the teacher didn't give up on seeing Ian again
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
@@daraghkennedy3994 thanks very much, Daragh. My recovery is going really well. Thanks again and all the best to you.
@@lindsayrogers6690 likewise brother, God bless 🙏
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.
Imagine fighting for your country then going on to help raise one of your countries best footballers in their history
Imagine having such a man telling the world how proud he is of you, too.
It's beautiful 😭😭😭
He fought for his country? Read the oath all soldiers take when they sign up. NO WHERE does it say that you are fighting for your country.
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
Damn what a man. Amazing career
When he said he felt like 7 again because he's a few steps down 😭
Ian Wright. Guy wears his heart on his sleeve. His love and respect for Mr Pigden is a wonderful example of respect between men. It transcends race.
Ryan my brother, I could not agree more with you. Excellent comment bro
Happen with Cus and Mike Tyson too.
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.
Nice but no need to even bring up race. It has no place under this video IMO, unrelated
@@kamronsafaie4586 Don't get the point your trying to make
And that’s why young kids need father figures in life
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 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.
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.
I defy anyone to listen to this and not shed a tear. Just beautiful.
I’m not an emotional guy, but this made me shed one
I'm struggling trying to hold back tears
Be defied
Ive shed many.
I tried and failed ;) but thats oke
This is why fathers are so important to young men
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 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
You’re not a bumbling crying guy. You are man with a heart. Your story gives me even more inspiration to be the best father I can be ❤️
Good man.
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".
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!! 😢😭😥🙏🤗💝🥰😍
I wasn't ready for this..... These are the people that the world truly needs. RIP Mr Pigden, the true hero in our hearts
I wish I'd had a Mr Pigden in my life. And I wish I'd had someone like Ian Wright to mentor. Both real life legends.
Im a spurs fan but how can you not love Ian Wright ? Such a great story.
Me too. You’re spot on. He’s simply a top bloke and completely grounded.
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.
This is a beautiful way to express the deeper parts of us...❤
A real man met a real man. Absolutely beautiful. Xx
Omg from a 66 year old Aussie here in Melbourne I’m in tears !!😢
The most moving and sincere thing I have witnessed , thank you ❤
Him being up a couple steps made that hit hard on Ian
Righty has universal appeal , he’s real
"They'll all be crying with you Ian, don't worry"
*Indeed madam, indeed*
Mr. Pigden was an RAF pilot during the Second World War, yet he's more proud for his student that played in England, legend...
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.
Wonderful point!!
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..
As z Manchester United fan I used to detest Ian Wright, but having seeing him over the years I have grown to love him , what a top bloke
Shit, i'm crying. It's clear that guy made Ian's life better
It shows how important teachers are and how you remember the ones that had an influence on you.
This 53 year old man is crying. What a beautiful story. RIP Mr Pidgen ❤
Ian was lucky as I was to have a special teacher who believed in him. God bless the teachers ❤
What a BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE, TO A TEACHER, MENTOR, FATHER FIGURE ❤ 😭
That's a real man
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 🙏🏿
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.
Beautifully put… 🥹
This is why having a father figure in a child’s life is so important it will really dictate where he/she ends up going in life….
You could see how much the "father" Teacher meant to him.
When he saw the man, his smile went poof in a second, hat off in a sign of true respect... and then tears.
There's an old Chinese saying that goes something like "Teacher for a day, father for life". That's what his teacher was to Ian Wright.
Don't ever apologize for loving and paying tribute to a true hero. We were all crying with you brother!
That clip now has 6.6 MILLION VIEWS ❤
When you are totally lost & the actions of 1 humble man help you find your destiny it will stay within you forever.
Thank you Mr pigden
Ian Wright.
What an absolute gentleman ❤
We should all be so lucky to have this in our lives.
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.😢❤😢
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.
He is.
Sir.
The most beautiful video on UA-cam.
This Leeds fan loves you Wrighty and as for Mr Pigden, a humble inspirational man and a credit to this nation.
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.
The importance of a good man in a young boy's life... Who wouldn't cry?
He lives through Ians achievements
As someone who grew up without a dad ,This had me in bits
You never know what influence you have until years later, RIP Mr Pigden
You never know what effect you can have on a kid or adult for that matter. This was very touching.
…So just be kind
I could imagine Ian Wright as a kid that got in a lot of trouble but you can tell is a nice kid. Probably why Mr Pigden looked out for him.
One person believing in you can change your entire life
But also making you believe in yourself.
Everything the man has achieved and he credits the unveiling of a plaque as the greatest of all those moments shows he is a truly humble man
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.
The most humbling and heart warming video out there 100% respect to both Mr Pigden RIP and to Ian Wright
"They'll all be crying with you" she was absolutely right. Truly a beautiful moment
I’m crying over here
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.
Relationships like this define us as a species.
Ian Wright - standing on the shoulders of giants!
That’s a type of love you can’t manufacture.
That is twice you cried recollecting on this man - there is no shame in remembering such a strong influence on your life and I bet you felt more pride unveiling his plaque than winning all the trophies you did!
2023 i just cried
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.
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.
That the day of my Birthday!!
All kids need a leg up when they are little. Love Ian Wright. Superb footballer. Lovely fella. A true inspiration.
She said they will be crying with you as I was wiping away my tears lol
A man from the greatest generation..RIP...Ian Wrights teacher of life skills Mr Pigden a very wise man indeed.
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.
The clip where they meet in the grandstands is my all time favorite on YT. What a heartwarming story, all of it, from start to finish. Somebody should make a movie.
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....
I’m a 32 year old man and I’m weeping
I'm 67 and I feel exactly the same
37 here. Every time he takes of His hat and straighten His posture. Beautiful respect and Love
I'm from Finland, and not much of a fan of football, but caught mr. Ian Wright on a Stormzy video. Somehow ended up in here in tears, just beautiful.
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.
We should all be so lucky to have a Mr Pigden in thier lives.
Rip good sir.
The world needs more Mr Pigdens and Ian Wrights.
Adopting more responsibility will give you purpose in your life.
We are all crying with you man, we all had a man just like this in our lives.
May they live forever!
I wish every school across the world was filled with teachers who cared as much a Mr. Pigden. The world would b a much better place.
I never cried this much since titanic Ian Wright and his teacher will be forever legends and Ian Wright was a icon of the footballing world remember that his teacher was in the world war god bless Mr pigden
When he said “I felt like I was 7 again…”…I just lost it.
My favourite bit of footage ever.
I cry everytime.
You want to know what respect looks like? Watch the way Ian removed his hat in the presence of his mentor and friend. Manners maketh the man, Sir you did a fantastic job, Ian you gave a wonderful tribute and carried the torch further on.
Your so right my late parents always use to tell to say please and thankyou still do and my kids also.
TEACHERS impact MANY students, in MANY ways…. 😃😃👍🏼👍🏼👣
We rarely cry Ian, but when the man that made us a man is gone, we are allowed to let the few tears flow.
I’m crying with you Ian…don’t worry.
Teachers like this truly make a difference. I had a troubled childhood as well, but had teachers that went out of their way to help. Back then in school I sometimes even resented them. But now, years later I am truly grateful to them from the bottom of my heart.
The world needs more Mr Pigden's
"Milk Monitor" just gave me a flashback to school, back when you had school milk delivered freshly for the kids.
You're a lucky man, Ian. Wish there were more people like Mr. Pidgen around.👍
What a lovely corner of UA-cam. So glad I’ve found this story and the lovely comments in the chat. Restores a bit of my faith in humanity again after some of what we here in the news.