Matthew Burton, the teacher who helped student Musharaf Asghar overcome his stutter on Channel 4's Educating Yorkshire, admitted he cried while watching the emotional revival of Mushy's speech on Tuesday night. The 30-year-old assistant headteacher at Thornhill Community Academy near Dewsbury said he wiped away tears during the broadcast, jokingly blaming 'hay fever in October'.
Speaking to Victoria Derbyshire on BBC Radio 5 Live, Mr Burton described the moment as 'very, very emotional and incredibly powerful'. He revealed that tissues were handed out to students and staff before Mushy addressed over 200 peers on his final day at school, adding: 'There wasn't a dry eye in the house. Me included.'
Mr Burton expressed hope that the 16-year-old would retain his self-confidence, noting that Musharaf's speech has improved significantly since filming. 'Even on the phone his speech has got better. The way he's communicating is more clear,' he said. However, he acknowledged that complete clarity may never be achieved, but emphasised the confidence gained from the experience.
The teacher praised Musharaf's bravery in sharing his struggles on national television, saying: 'It says a lot about Musharaf that he's willing to put his own issues on national TV... He did find his voice.'
