MORE than 20 charities and community organisations received money raised by the annual Hoggin’ the Bridge motorcycle ride.

Some 6,000 riders crossed the Severn bridges heading for Caldicot Castle where they were joined by a further 7,000 people.

The event in October raised £13,500 and cheques were presented to the 23 groups at a get-together at Caldicot Male Voice Choir’s hall on Sunday (January 14).

Aaron Reeks, of Caldicot Town Team, which assisted with the organisation, said: “We had an unprecedented event with 6,000 bikers and 7,000 people turn up at Caldicot Castle.

“It was a fantastic day and it raised £13,5000 which has been distributed to the groups.”

Among the groups to receive support was Meningitis Now, which helps families who have been affected by the disease.

Brogan Williams, of Caldicot, who survived meningitis 11 years ago, received the cheque from the Chair of Monmouthshire County Council Cllr Maureen Powell.

Brogan said: “I volunteer for Meningitis Now as a way of giving something back for the help they have given me and my family.”

He was six when he was taken ill at school and, with his condition deteriorating later in the day, his mother took him to hospital.

Brogan said: “If I hadn’t gone to hospital then, I probably wouldn’t be here now.

“I spent my seventh birthday in hospital.”

His mum, Nicky Price, said: “It is such a fast-moving disease, I have never seen anything like.

“As a parent, you know your child better than anyone and you have to trust your instincts.”

Among the local organisations to benefit were the Severn Area Rescue Association, which is raising funds to replace its 26-year-old Landrover, Caldicot-based Welsh-medium school Ysgol Gymraeg y Ffin which is buying computers for pupils, and Second Caldicot Scouts who are going to the First World War battlefields later this year.

Other groups included Red Robins Nursery in Caldicot, Friends of the Dell Play Area in Chepstow, Caldicot Air Training Corps, Street Life Sarnies, Wye Gymnastics of Caldicot, Caldicot Rugby Club, Rogiet Parkrun, Severn Bridge Parkrun, Bluebells Playgroup in Chepstow, St John’s Ambulance in Caldicot, Durand Primary School in Caldicot and Portskewett Good Companions.