Daniel Thomas Hindle Anderson was born on the 29th of April 1985 in the Northern General Hospital, in Sheffield. Daniel was born with a congenital heart defect called Tricuspid Atresia. He underwent two life saving operations at 19 months and 4 years old. These operations allowed Daniel to grow and develop normally and have an excellent quality of life .
Daniel attended Stradbroke Primary School after moving to Richmond in Sheffield during the Spring of 93 at the age of 8, and he moved up to The City School in 96. It was here that Daniel became enthusiastic about music. He was bought an acoustic guitar for his ninth birthday, but it was when he bought himself an electric guitar at the age of 14 that he really wanted to learn how to play. He taught himself using the internet and music books and once he was confident enough he decided that he wanted to start his own band. Daniel became best friends with Andrew Rathbone at City School and persuaded him to buy a bass guitar and learn it to be in his band. They managed to aquire the talents of Mr Ridley on drums (a science teacher who now works at Meadowhead school) who, when he saw Dan and Andy were stuck for names, suggested that the band be called "the Hindle band". "The Hindle band" played two battle of the band competitions and packed out the school hall, and although they didn't win, they had more than enough fun trying.
As Daniel became a little older it became apparent that his passion was music, he would sit and listen to his head phones everyday after coming home from school. He loved artists such as Green Day, Muse, Nirvana, The Pixies, Rival schools and in particular Jeff Buckley. He practiced on his guitar everyday and in no time at all became an excellent musician, writing his own material and looking for a band.
Dan went to The Sheffield College at Norton at 16 to study Media, English Language and Information Technology. Whilst at college, armed with his skills as a guitarist and a band name (Jack Names The Planets) he now needed a band. He recruited some fellow college mates and trained each of them up, in much the same way as he did Andy, by gentle persuasion. He also helped out other bands and jammed with other bands. He helped out his brother Chris as they performed an acoustic night at the Grapes in Sheffield. It was their very first gig, and although comprised of covers went down a storm. After a few more gigs with Chris, Dan concentrated on his own band, securing them a number of gigs through his sheer determination. During the summer of 2002 Dan managed to get his band gigs at The Grapes and The Casbah and also managed, by working at Asda(part time) to buy himself a blue Fender Mustang. This was what one of his hero's Kurt Cobain used, and he played every gig with it. The band either headlined or supported other bands. Dan's brother Chris also managed to get the band into a studio where they recorded one of their tracks. Although rough, it managed to secure the band their biggest gig yet at the Bar Fly in a local up and coming bands night. It was so amazing to see him so energized and enthusiastic, everything was going right for him. He had a hardcore fanclub as well, his devoted girlfriend Naomi, his mum Christina, his brother Chris and girlfriend Suzanne along with all his college friends who never missed a gig. The Bar Fly gig was the band at their peak, they played a wonderful set and their fans watched on with huge smiles on their faces. The Bar Fly asked them back on November the 25th, but due to the ensuing few months sadly this gig had to be cancelled.
They sent demos off to numerous record companies, and got an encouraging response. A small independant label even said they would take the song on. They were determined to succeed and we all had no doubt that even if it was with another band, Dan would get to accomplish his dream of becoming a musician he had such a strong stage presence and everyone gravitated towards him.
Whilst at college, Daniel struck up a relationship with Naomi, who was to become his girlfriend. They had been best friends since early summer, and they slowly became closer, spending everyday together and eventually falling in love. Naomi gave Daniel such support and happiness and could be seen stage side at each and every one of his gigs.
Daniel also had a large loving family. He lived with Christina, his mum, his three younger brothers, William (10), George (8) and Joseph (7) and his little sister Nicole (5). He also had an older brother, Chris (20) who has a son Tyler(6 months) with his girlfriend Suzanne. Tyler brought so much happiness to Dan who demanded that he be called Cool Uncle Dan. Dan was a wonderful brother who shared a special bond with each of his siblings, particularly Joseph, the youngest brother. He was also very close to Chris and they shared their tremendous passion of music with one another. Dan was in the process of becoming a full time member of Chris's band Firesuite, but unfortunately never got to play a gig with them.
In October 2002, Daniel and Naomi decided they would get a piercing together. They went to a popular studio in Sheffield. Naomi had her eyebrow pierced and Dan had his lip pierced. This turned out to be the catalyst for the nightmare that was to ensue. Daniel fell seriously ill and was rushed into hospital. Once we all realised how ill Dan was we all began to fear for the worst. We hoped and prayed for his safe recovery. Between us, we made sure someone was with Daniel everyday whilst he was in hospital. This was an almost unbearable situation to be in. Naomi made time even though she had two jobs and college, Christina had four other children to care for, and Chris a new born son to look after. It was a shocking sight to see someone who was so full of life to be bed ridden and dependant on everyone. Daniel's close family and friends were going through their own personal hell. Christina went everyday to care for Daniel and tried to stay strong for Dan and her other children.This wasn't easy as she was truly heartbroken. We all prayed for Dan, lit candles and friends & relatives from around the world gave their love and support .From as far away as Australia, Canada, New Zealand and America. Dan was determined that he would get well, and we all believed along with him.
Whilst in hospital, Daniel suffered a number of set backs. He continually fell ill through a number of infections but he managed, to the doctors astonishment, to fight them off by his sheer determination and resilliance. Dan was moved down to Papworth in Cambridge for a transplant assessment, but he was too ill to undergo any surgery. Dan spent his last days in the Leeds General Infirmary, where he had had all his care since birth for his heart defect. Dan had a lot of faith in the doctors here and was at peace at last. The doctors tried all they could, but unfortunately it was not meant to be. We braced ourselves as we each realised the true and dreadful seriousness of Daniel's condition. Dan's life was ebbing away after eight weeks of fighting. Dan had showed such courage, dignity and strength in the face of adversity. Our precious Dan was losing his battle and his will to fight. Dan was just 17 years old, we felt utterly cheated. A young life so full of promise tragically cut short. Our hearts were broken. Our lives had been changed forever.........
Daniel eventually lost his fight for life on the 21st of December 2002, a poignant date as it is Christina's youngest son Joseph's birthday. Dan and Joe had a unique and very special bond which is for eternity................
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