Ian Wright tearfully remembers childhood teacher

Former England striker Ian Wright has tearfully paid tribute to a childhood teacher he remembers as "the greatest man in the world".

The ex-footballer had a hard time keeping the emotion out of his voice as he told Desert Island Discs about being reunited with Sydney Pigden in 2010 (footage of their reunion later went viral). Mr Pigden passed away in 2017.

[kevinzhu]

“And because he was 3 or 4 steps up, I felt like I was 7 again” wow 🥺

[tylerb]

Ian Wright is a national treasure. A very humble and likable human being.

[richardpotter]

Wrighty had issues because his real Dad disowned him and left the family when he was small. He was bought up by his mother in a tough Council estate in Brockley. Sid Pigden was like the father Wrighty never had. Nice one Ian, real men always show their emotions.

[andypandywalters]

I think we all turned into bumbling crying people after watching this video. So very

[borami]

It’s teachers like Mr Pigden that make this world a better place.

[joshualei]

Anyone who can have an impact in someone’s life like this, famous or not has achieved something more valuable than gold.

[Corellian]

Sidney Pigden fought in WW2, flying Spitfires and Hurricanes, strafing enemy positions, and was then chosen to fly over Buckingham Palace after the end of the war. At 23 years old. Let that sink in. At an age most of us start to try and grow a wispy moustache Mr. Pigden was flying fighter planes giving Nazi Germany a hard time. What a singular blessing for Ian to be able to have such a man as a mentor.

[bertbaxter]

What so many young lads miss in their life, A man who cares...

[claudiaxander]

Whoever's chopping onions can bugger off!

[ruddock]

Seriously, how can anyone thumb this down? If all people had respect for others like this the world would be a much better place!!

[dinglemcringle]

“They will all be crying with you..” she had no clue how right she was… Ian got a gift… someone he thought was gone forever came back and he got to hug that person again… I’m sure all of us have someone we would love to hug again.

[cantelocal_by]

I'm a young black man grew up in inner london and a lot of us boys had a male role model like Mr. pigden.


I remember going to sunday school in Hackney and all I can remember was how nice my teacher was, I don't remember the bible studies but remember how happy I was and how the teacher always gave us all sweets and made sure we had a happy Sunday.

I remember my teacher coming to my birthday party and being so polite and open towards my extended family.

I remember some very rough days (dark times due to intolerable life circumstances and cancer of a sibling) and the kind of appreciation and warmth my teacher would show. I remember my teacher would see me and always make sure I would be smiling instead of frowning, he would see me walking alone morose on the school grounds and make a point of stopping and cheering me up.

Other teacher's would play basketball against students during lunch breaks.

I feel in this PC woke age of "intersectionality" they demonise people and are ironically quite racist. There were many old white male teachers I knew that were truly amazing and kind, they were such positive male role models. There are a lot fewer male teachers nowadays and it's a shame as it can likely contribute to why young men of different groups are performing poorly in school.

I'm sure a lot of people can look back and remember a teacher in their life like Mr.Pigden. I hope that passion and amazing mentorship doesn't totally die out. I know having that really helped me. I'm sure for young men from single parent households it is invaluable, I hope schools understand Mr. Wrights story and how important pastoral care and mentorship is for young students.

[michael]

He was more proud of the impact he had on others than of his own achievements.
Now that is a man who teaches with devotion.

[lindsayrogers]

Listening to Ian’s voice breaking is really poignant.
I can identify with this. I am proud to have been a member of the teaching profession.
I began wearing an academic gown preparing lads for university but ended my career teaching troubled lads in a PRU in inner city Liverpool.
I had the honour to be one lad’s best man at his wedding but stood at the graveside of one of my lads who was out of reach and took 8 bullets to the chest.
I’m now 68 years of age and recovering from surgery for cancer but I am proud that I once served as a teacher.

[perusing]

1:41 "And then I hugged him and because he was 3 or 4 steps up, I felt like I was like 7 again." how beautiful is this! it was unintended and yet reality somehow literally placed him in such a way he felt like he was right back to when he was a 7 year old kid hugging his loving teacher!

[mkkravist]

Wrightys always been a legend- he wears his heart on his sleeve and is a genuine person. Ian Wright Wright Wright!! So good they named him thrice!!

[BanquetNZ]

I don't know why he chose me.
But I'm glad he did.

[cyclopskane]

Ian Wright Wright Wright 👍 Mr Pigden is a legend risked his life in ww2 and then going out of his way to help help another legend. Black boys need more Mr Pigden's in their lives. RIP in peace Mr Pigden you are an inspiration. Ian Wright you are a legend. If David Rocastle was alive he'd be proud of you. Both Rocky and Mr Pigden are proud of you and watching over you. Blood doesn't determine family.

[bbygrl]

When I had to leave my teaching job, I taught 5th grade in Detroit, and several of my students had it bad.
My one kid, this giant kid who never showed emotion or anything, sat with me in the hallway and cried in my arms. Told me he looked at me like a mom and appreciated how much I loved him.
I'll NEVER forget that moment. I lost it, cried like a baby. Several of my students said similar things, but for him to break down and be vulnerable was so touching.
I miss being around kids like that. I wasn't the best teacher, lol, I would have been great at counseling, but I LOVED my kids so much.

[kevinwhelan]

I love how Ian involuntarily removed his hat as an automatic mark of respect for the great man. Oh what a lovely moment--two good men. Bless you, Ian!