HELPING to set up a school and orphanage for deprived kids in Kenya; saving distressed horses from Welsh mountains, and making life better for the homeless and hungry on her doorstep...

Those are just some of the dozens of good causes championed by one of Teignmouth’s most prolific fundraisers, described as ‘a remarkable woman’.

And now Melissa Middleton’s charitable efforts over 40 years have been recognised with a well-deserved British Empire Medal in the New Year’s honours list.

‘It hasn’t really sunk in yet,’ said Melissa.

‘I have had so many messages of congratulations, I have hardly had to time to read them all. I wasn’t looking for this and did not expect it – it came out of the blue,’ she said.

‘I was crying when I heard it, and then my husband Bill began as well, and that is something he normally just does not do. I have not helped people, charities and causes over the years for a medal – I do it because I want to make life a little better for those in need.’

The centre of her activities is the Whistlestop Cafe at the railway station that she and Bill have run for 15 years.

It has an eclectic clientele who love its unpretentious menu, and down-to-earth atmosphere.

Melissa, 48, who lives in Teignmouth, reckons that over the years the cafe has raised more than £350,000 for good causes, especially Operation Imprezza, the charity which built a school to give youngsters in Kenya the chance of an education.

It was founded by Sarah Hulme of Bishopsteignton when she was 15, and witnessed the lack of a basic education for children in that part of Africa.

Others weighed in with support, and now Imprezza is thriving, providing education for about 365 youngsters aged between five and 18. A dormitory was recently added so the pupils did not have to walk to the school and back home through the hazardous bush where crocodiles and other wild creatures lurk.

She has been there twice, and said they are so keen to learn that during lessons ‘you can hear a pin drop, as they absorb everything they are being taught.’

Horses are another passion, and she has rescued many in distress and taken them to her yard to help to regain their health. Quite a few have recovered so well they can be found new homes.

On several occasions she and Bill travelled to the Welsh mountains, taking food and other supplies to starving and dying ponies out in the wild weather. The couple are on call around the clock to go and try and save any animals in danger.

Melissa has a way with calming even the most aggressive of horses, and one recent success, is Ruby, who was so violent she was due to be shot, but is now ‘fantastic’.

Her third favourite cause is the Homeless in Teignbridge Support (HITS) charity, which provides a foodbank for those who need it, and are referred by other agencies, such as the police, churches and social services.

Much of the fundraising comes from the motorcyclists who have been meeting and socialising at the station car park every Tuesday evening throughout the year for many years now. One week 279 bikers turned up from all over south Devon and further afield.

‘Word has spread around Europe about the Whistlestop bikers, and we often have riders from the continent who have heard about us, pop in,’ she said.

‘It has really taken off, and contrary to what some people think, bikers are the nicest, kindest. gentlest and generous bunch you could meet.

‘They give so freely to our charities, and love coming to Teignmouth because it is a great social gathering with none of the usual club politics you sometimes get in other bodies.’

The nomination for her award came from a variety of local organisations who believed her low-key charitable work should be officially recognised. It will mean a trip to Buckingham Palace for her and Bill.

Although the Whistlestop is a business that has to make profit, it is not the main driving force for the pair.

‘We are like a community club here. Everybody seems to know everybody, and we cater for all sorts – those with addiction and mental health problems, the elderly, the lonely, and a whole other range of people.

‘Many customers contribute to a fund that provides meals for those who cannot afford to eat properly, and quite a few are sent here by the police and other agencies. We are one big family really, and even over Christmas we are out and about delivering dinners.’

Melissa had a troubled and difficult upbringing, and also suffers numerous health problems. She has had 37 operations, and was once given only a 30 per cent chance of surviving a brain haemorrhage. She was sent home to die, but pulled through.

‘Going through the abuse I suffered when I was younger, and my medical issues enables me to relate to others who have, or are going through, similar things.

‘I have been fundraising since the age of eight, and helping others less well off is my main driving force in life. Whenever I can, I like to make somebody smile, because it can help them. I do the charitable work because I can.

‘We are lucky in Teignmouth where I was brought up and went to school, because have a community of helpers and volunteers who help others. You do not get it in every town.’

Praise for Melissa has come from many in the town, including historian Viv Wilson, who holds the MBE.

‘She has been beavering away at good works for many years The first time I came across her endeavours was about 2003 when she invited Teign Delta Jazz Band to play at a garden party to raise funds for Imprezza.

‘She does this thoughtfully, with dedication and with the same ethos as worldwide Rotary clubs – service above self.

‘The British Empire Medal is recognition for the grassroots people who do so much good for others. and Melissa is the perfect recipient.’

Chris Hulme, the chairman of Operation Imprezza trustees, added: ‘Everyone at Imprezza in Kenya and UK are delighted for Melissa. She is a remarkable woman, fundraising in the Whistlestop, offering a caring, listening ear to people, helping local charities, looking after ponies or interacting with our students and staff in Kenya. Melissa richly deserves this honour’.

And Cllr David Cox, chairman of HITS, described her as ‘one of the most devoted fundraisers I have come across – utterly dedicated to trying to make life better for others. She is a real gem.’