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Press release:

Ref: OGI0153
14th April 2009

Open Employees Hit the Peaks for 2009 Charity Challenge

Open GI Three Peaks Team.
From Left to right: Julian Slaughter, Ian Walling, Benjamin Webb, Phil Rodgers, Paul Davies, Sarah Hammond, Colin Reader, Darren Mansell,
Mike Peters and Will Duckworth*
Picture taken by Julian Slaughter

A group of employees at Open GI have set themselves a gruelling challenge to kick-start the company’s pledge to double its fundraising target for Cancer Research UK.

The charity, which supports those with the terminal illness, was chosen as a result of an in-company vote which saw the charity win around 13% of the 200 plus entries. The pledge for 2009 is to raise at least £4,000, to which the Open GI Board will add a further £4,000 if it is reached.

The group of Open GI employees, led by Technical Consultant Julian Slaughter, (pictured far left), are taking part in the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge, which involves ascending the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales in 24 hours. The challenge, taking place on 27th June will involve climbing up (and back down) Ben Nevis (4,409 ft), Scafell Pike (3,209 ft) and Snowdon (3,560 ft). The clock starts with the ascent of Ben Nevis and finishes with the descent of Snowdon.

Open GI, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, has many other fundraising activities planned for 2009. These include a Weight Loss Charity Challenge, several dress down days, bring ‘n’ buy sales, the Race for Life, a Tug of War and a Christmas raffle.

Cancer Research UK is the world's leading independent organisation dedicated to cancer research. They support research into all aspects of cancer through the work of more than 4,250 scientists, doctors and nurses.

Chris Guillaume, Managing Director, Open GI, said: “It’s great to see our staff take such a proactive approach to fundraising. The Three Peaks Challenge is extremely demanding and the team are already investing much of their time and energy in training. We are all backing them at Open GI and are looking forward to seeing how they get on. To be able to support a vital organisation like Cancer Research UK is extremely motivating.”

* Lindsay McMillan and Michelle Mansell are also taking part but are missing from the picture.

For more information about the Three Peaks Charity Challenge please go to www.theywillnevermakeit.info

For More Information about Open GI:
Adele Clarkson
Marketing and PR Manager
Open GI
Tel: 01905 754455
email: adele.clarkson@opengi.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

Open GI supplies market leading IT solutions to insurance brokers across the UK & Ireland. With 25,000 users in around 2,000 firms, the company has a 40% share of the UK broker market and is committed to technological innovation. Open GI technology enables personal and commercial lines brokers trading in standard and niche markets to streamline business activity and become more profitable. With a workforce of 300 people and a 30 year heritage, the company enjoys a strong financial performance. For the year ended 31 st May 2007 Open GI reported revenues of £27.3 million and an operating profit of £13.6 million.