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A 26-year-old woman took her own life after sending messages to family and friends. Charlotte Redsell was found in her flat in Strood, Kent, after saying she didn't ' belong in this world'.

Charlotte's brother Stephen, 33, said they had had a traumatic childhood, losing their mother when they were very young and then their dad during Covid. The experience left them scarred and struggling with anxiety and health issues

He said Charlotte was a much-loved and highly-respected restaurant manager, who had been planning to open her own business, preparing to take her driving test and was looking forward to a Reiki class the day after she died.

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Stephen said it was clear now that she had “suffered in silence.” He said: “I can see she was very protective of her emotions. Charlotte was thoughtful and generous and would give her last couple of quid to someone rather than see them go without. She may not be with us, but she can still be inspiring. Charlotte still has a voice.”

Charlotte was just 10 when she lost her mum. After leaving school, Stephen took her under his wing and, through his contacts, got her jobs in restaurants.

He said she was a “natural“ and soon rose through the ranks from floor supervisor and kitchen staff to front of house and manager. She worked at a number of venues and eventually moved to Fish at 55, a seafood restaurant in Rochester, where Stephen was a chef.

“I'm so proud of her. She loved her job, and it kept her busy,” he said. “She was chasing her dreams of opening a coffee shop.”

Charlotte’s death left her colleagues and customers in shock and an impromptu floral shrine sprang up outside the restaurant where she worked. Messages said she had brought joy to many and would be deeply missed. “Such a beautiful young lady. She was such a lovely girl,” one tribute read.

An inquest in Maidstone held last week heard that Charlotte was found at home by her sister Chantelle on October 8 last year. The 24-year-old had become concerned about a message she had received a few hours before and gone round to check if everything was alright.

A toxicology report showed Charlotte had alcohol and painkillers in her blood. There were no signs of third-party involvement. Among her last words to those close to her were: “Some people don't belong in this world - and that’s me.”

Ian Potter, area coroner for Mid-Kent and Medway, told the family: “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 she had intended to take her own life and recorded the cause of death as suicide. The family are now trying to come to terms with their sister’s death and plan to raise awareness of mental health issues.

Like Charlotte, Stephen has battled with alcohol problems and is proud that he’s now two years sober. Both turned to the mental health charity Mind for support and he is joining Peter and Charlotte’s friend Rachael on a Three Peaks challenge to raise money for the organisation in September.

You can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/in-spirit-of-charlotte-redsell?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=EM&utm_campaign=020

If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.