10/10/2026
Kai was one of our best bartenders over the last few summers. He was always friendly with customers, whether on shift or not, went the extra mile and gave exceptional service. This is why we made him a supervisor in the summer just gone. He always worked with a smile and made others smile when they were at their lowest.
Outside of work, Kai was deeply caring, always giving colleagues and friends an ear, no matter what he was going through himself. He put others before himself, was funny beyond measure and lit up every room with his quick-off-the-mark jokes.
Over a month ago, Kai was offered the opportunity to help friends run a pub in Ashton-under-Lyne. He was so excited for this new chapter, and so were we. We felt it was a fresh start for someone who truly deserved the best things in life. He worked there with his usual huge smile, lighting up his new pub just as he had Charters. The regulars quickly grew fond of him, and everything seemed to be going well.
Sadly, in the early hours of 7th October, Kai took his own life. The man with the biggest smile could smile no more. We at Charters are truly devastated by the news and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Today would have been Kai’s 25th birthday, falling on World Mental Health Day. It reminds us how important it is to be there for one another and never be afraid to speak up when we’re struggling.
In his memory, we will be holding a cake sale on Saturday 10th October and Sunday 11th October, with all proceeds going towards Kai’s funeral costs. Today, from 7pm, we will also hold a candle lighting in his memory. Kai believed in the power of lighting a candle for a loved one, so let’s come together to light a candle and raise a Jägerbomb, his favourite drink, for him.
If you would like to donate towards his funeral costs, please find the link to his JustGiving page below.
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jayme-ann-buksh
