Hundreds of people paid the ultimate sign of respect to a beloved young dad, charity champion and football fanatic who died last month during double heart valve surgery.
The funeral of Mitchell Powell took place on Saturday, February 27, 24 days after his untimely death sent the city into mourning.
Mitchell, who was just 26, died on Wednesday, February 3 whilst undergoing the procedure at Bristol Heart Institute. Mitchell's heart was not strong enough and he went into cardiac arrest.
His funeral procession was led by a horse drawn carriage, draped in a Swansea City Football Club flag, testament to his love for the football club. He was a passionate season ticket holder and someone who would follow them away from home on their travels.
Both outside his home in Waun Wen, where the procession left, and on arrival at Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church in Townhill where his funeral service took place, people honoured Mitchell, lining the streets and applauding. Welsh anthems Hymns and Arias, Calon Lan and Bread of Heaven played out during the service.
But perhaps the most visible sign of Mitchell's immense popularity followed after the service as the procession drove past the Liberty Stadium on its way to Llanelli Crematorium.
Emotional scenes played out as hundreds lined both sides of the dual carriageway applauding as the procession went by, letting off black and white balloons and waving Swans flags.
Mitchell's cremation service in Llanelli then followed, where Lyla by Oasis, A Thousand Trees by Stereophonics, The Gambler by Kenny Rogers and Forever Young by Beyonce and Jay Z were all played.
A statement from Mitchell's family following his funeral read: "Words cannot describe how proud we were seeing so many people turn up to pay tribute to Mitchell.
"Although it was the worst day of our lives, it made a huge difference.
"Our hearts will forever ache, but it will always bring us comfort when we look back on the day Mitchell had.
"We would like to thank our relatives, friends and neighbours for the many kind expressions of sympathy during this time.
"Mitchell will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him."
Mitchell was born with a heart condition and had undergone more than 20 heart operations. It left him reliant on a pacemaker and he was told from an early age he would need a full heart transplant in early adulthood.
He never forgot about the help he had received throughout his life, and dedicated himself to raising as much money as he could to support the British Heart Foundation, once being named the charity's fundraiser of the year.
He was passionate about football, and was an avid Swansea City fan. At a local level, he was also an integral part of Maltsters Sports AFC, performing the role as secretary of the adult side, and was a key component to starting its successful junior ranks.
Mitchell, who was the proud father to one-year-old Lylah, was active on social media, sharing his journey with his followers and had lots of supporters.
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He was excited about having his surgery done so his life could improve, and tragically tweeted a picture of himself outside the entrance to Bristol Heart Institute, proudly wearing his Swansea City face mask, telling people 'the day had arrived', and 'LET'S GO'.
The Swans paid tribute to Mitchell after his passing by laying a jersey over his seat in the stadium on the night of their 2-0 victory against Norwich City.
Manager Steve Cooper dedicated the victory to Mitchell after the game.
