The brother of a popular restaurant manager has paid a heartfelt tribute to his “inspiring” younger sister after she died “far too young”.
Stephen and Charlotte Redsell shared a traumatic childhood, their mum dying when they were young and their father passing during Covid.
Charlotte Redsell was a much loved employee at Fish 55 in Rochester High Street. Photo: Family release
Along with their other siblings, it left them scarred with anxiety and health issues in later years.
But few would have thought Charlotte, a much-loved and highly-respected boss at a Rochester eatery with a bright future in the hospitality industry, would take her own life at the age of 26.
Charlotte was found hanged at her flat in Strood after leaving a flurry of poignant messages to friends and loved ones.
Her family are still mourning the loss of a young woman who they say was “doing well”, planning to open her own business, preparing to take her driving test and looking forward to a Reiki class the following day.
Her untimely passing last October shocked the community in the town, who created an impromptu floral shrine outside Fish at 55 where she worked.
Charlotte Redsell was the popular manager of Fish At 55 in Rochester
Elder brother Stephen, 33, said it was now clear that his sister “had suffered in silence”.
The dad-of-three told KentOnline: “I can see she was very protective of her emotions.”
Like Charlotte, private chef Stephen has battled with alcohol problems and is immensely proud that he’s now two years sober.
Both turned to the mental health charity Mind for support – so it’s fitting that he is joining his brother Peter, 32 and Charlotte’s friend Rachael on a Three Peaks challenge for the organisation in September. Click here to contribute.
Stephen said growing up without their parents had led to the children looking out for each other.
“We were each other’s rocks,” he added.
Charlotte helping brother Stephen in the kitchen at fish 55 following a staff shortage. Photo: Family release
Charlotte was just 10 when she lost her mum, and none of the young family received counselling
But Charlotte’s passing had made them even closer, and they were “reconnecting” with each other in their efforts to make more people aware of mental health issues.
The tragedy has badly impacted younger sister Chantelle, 24, who found her at her home in Strood after she became concerned about a message she had sent hours before.
Charlotte with Peter after taking his son to an arsenal game. Photo: Family releaseChantelle and charlotte on holiday together. Photo: Family release
After leaving Chapter School, now Strood Academy, Stephen took her under his wing and, through his contacts, got her jobs in restaurants.
Stephen said she was a “natural“ and soon rose through the ranks from floor supervisor and kitchen staff to front of house and manager.
When Stephen moved to Tunbridge Wells to work she went with him, and he got her a job at Framptons in The Pantiles.
A floral mural was erected outside her place of work following Charlotte’s sad passing. Photo: Family Release
She also worked at Coast to Coast, an American diner at Medway Valley Park, near the family home.
Stephen later found her a post at Fish at 55, a seafood restaurant in Rochester High Street, where he was a chef, and he said that was her “real breakthrough”.
“I’m so proud of her. She loved her job, and it kept her busy,” he added.
“She was chasing her dreams of opening a coffee shop.”
Among her last poignant words to those close to her were: “Some people don’t belong in this world – and that’s me”, an inquest at Oakwood House, Maidstone heard last week.
Earlier, she had told her sister, Chantelle, that she loved her before saying what was to be a final goodbye, the court was told.
A pictured taken of Charlotte just a day before her death. Her brother said she looked happy and would ‘never of known’. Photo: Family release
A toxicology report taken after her death on October 8 last year showed she had alcohol and paracetamol in her blood.
There were no signs of injury or suspicious markings on her body to suggest third party involvement.
Ian Potter, area coroner for Mid-Kent and Medway, addressing the family at last Wednesday’s (February 18) hearing, said: “I’m so sorry for your loss.
“At the age of 26, Charlotte was far too young.”
He added that he was satisfied from the messages on her phone that Charlotte had intended to take her own life and recorded the cause of death as hanging.
If you are struggling and need to speak to someone, contact the Samaritans here or call 116 123.
Stephen described his sister as “thoughtful” and “generous”.
“She would give her last couple of quid to someone rather than see them go without,” he added.
“Charlotte may not be with is, but she can still be inspiring. Charlotte still has a voice.”
Stephen, Charlotte, and Peter also have a brother, Leigham 30.
Charlotte was much loved by staff and customers at the fish restaurant where she worked.
On the morning of her passing at her flat in Brompton Lane, Strood, the eatery closed as a mark of respect.
Floral tributes and candles from well-wishers, including neighbouring traders soon emerged, creating a touching shrine outside.
Flowers left outside Fish at 55 in Rochester High Street
A notice read: “It is with the deepest regret that we share the passing of our friend and much-loved colleague, Charlotte Redsell, who sadly passed away this morning.
“Charlotte was a valued member of the Fish at 55 team and a cherished part of the wider Restaurants 4 Group family.
“Our thoughts are with her family, friends, the team here, and all those who knew her – including our many customers and neighbouring businesses along Rochester High Street.”
Messages say how she brought joy to many and will be deeply missed.
Responding to the news on social media, one person wrote: “So very sad. A lovely person. Our deepest condolences.”
Another added: “Such a beautiful young lady. She was such a lovely girl. So sad and condolences to her family and friends.”