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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 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. 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.