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Marine Nigel Dean Mead mourned at Carmarthen funeral | Marine Nigel Dean Mead mourned at Carmarthen funeral |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Hundreds of mourners have packed into a church for the funeral of a Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan. | Hundreds of mourners have packed into a church for the funeral of a Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan. |
Nigel Dean Mead, aged 19 and from Carmarthen, died during an operation with 42 Commando Royal Marrines in Helmand province last month. | Nigel Dean Mead, aged 19 and from Carmarthen, died during an operation with 42 Commando Royal Marrines in Helmand province last month. |
His funeral was held at St Peter's Church, which saw its 850-capacity filled with many more people standing outside. | His funeral was held at St Peter's Church, which saw its 850-capacity filled with many more people standing outside. |
The Rev Leigh Richardson described Marine Mead as an inspiration to many. | The Rev Leigh Richardson described Marine Mead as an inspiration to many. |
Speaking after the service, he said: "The number of people who came to pay their respects to Dean illustrated how highly regarded he was - and still is. | Speaking after the service, he said: "The number of people who came to pay their respects to Dean illustrated how highly regarded he was - and still is. |
"He was a tremendously brave man, full of character and an inspiration to many." | "He was a tremendously brave man, full of character and an inspiration to many." |
Marine Mead joined the Royal Marines as his first job in October 2008 at the age of 17 and he was the youngest marine to pass out from his troop. | Marine Mead joined the Royal Marines as his first job in October 2008 at the age of 17 and he was the youngest marine to pass out from his troop. |
The former Queen Elizabeth High School pupil was fatally injured by a bomb on 15 May. | The former Queen Elizabeth High School pupil was fatally injured by a bomb on 15 May. |
Two of his closest friends, Tom Boodeny, who had attended Johnstown Primary School with him, and Matt Courtney gave eulogies at the service. | Two of his closest friends, Tom Boodeny, who had attended Johnstown Primary School with him, and Matt Courtney gave eulogies at the service. |
Mr Boodeny said his friend adored his family and was never ashamed to admit it. | Mr Boodeny said his friend adored his family and was never ashamed to admit it. |
He also spoke of Marine Mead's success in running, becoming the Welsh 800m champion and a vital member of Carmarthen Harriers. | He also spoke of Marine Mead's success in running, becoming the Welsh 800m champion and a vital member of Carmarthen Harriers. |
Mr Courtney paid tribute to his late friend's academic prowess, saying he had "walked though his exams" in getting A grades. | Mr Courtney paid tribute to his late friend's academic prowess, saying he had "walked though his exams" in getting A grades. |
Military colleagues of Marine Mead said they have been "hit hard by his death" but would continue to "fight hard with Deano on their minds". | Military colleagues of Marine Mead said they have been "hit hard by his death" but would continue to "fight hard with Deano on their minds". |
His family requested all those attending today's service not to bring flowers but to make a donation to the Marines Benevolent Fund as well as a meningitis charity. | |
Marine Mead is survived by his mother Amanda, father Phillip and sister Jessica. | Marine Mead is survived by his mother Amanda, father Phillip and sister Jessica. |
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