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Press release:

Ref: OGI0304
21st October 2011

‘Project Marathon’ at Eden for Breast Campaign

Number 108, Will Duckworth and Number 233, Darren Mansell 
run for the Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign

Two employees at Leading Software House, Open GI, endured the annual Eden Project Marathon to raise funds for the company’s 2011 chosen charity, Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign.

Darren Mansell and Will Duckworth, Technical Infrastructure Administrators at Open GI, joined thousands of other runners, including Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills, at the third Eden Marathon on Sunday 9th October 2011. The marathon circuit, taking in spectacular hills, Eden’s Biomes and views of both Cornwall’s coastlines was a challenging feat for the pair who managed to complete the gruelling course in 4h 55m (Will) and 5h 12m (Darren).

Having ran the hilly 26.2 mile course and climbed 2300 feet; Darren and Will raised an overwhelming £820.00, 164% of their personal target of £500 for Open GI’s charity of the year, Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign.

Open GI’s 350 strong workforce are taking part in various activities to raise vital funds to support local plans to build a new dedicated breast unit at the Worcester Royal Hospital. The charity needs to raise £2.5m to create a new facility to be used by men and women across Worcestershire for all breast related issues.

Commenting on the challenge, Darren Mansell said: “A great race, tough course and superb fun. The months of training and determination paid off when we crossed the finish line, made even better knowing that we surpassed our target of £500 for the Breast Unit Campaign."

Chris Guillaume, CEO, Open GI, said: “It’s overwhelming to see such effort given to fundraising by the staff at Open GI. With the charity target in sight, Darren and Will’s efforts have gone a long way to add to the ever-increasing total, a very well done to you both. The staff’s enthusiasm and pro-activeness to activities, such as the Eden Project Marathon, brings a real sense of teamwork. It will be tremendous to accomplish our 2011 target for the Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign."

For more information on the Eden Project Marathon visit: http://www.edenproject.com/Eden-Project-Marathon-2011.php

For more information on Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign visit: http://www.everybodyknowssomebody.co.uk/

Various fundraising events are taking place this year to help Open GI employees achieve their target of £5,250 during the course of the year.  Upon reaching the target, the Open GI Board will add a further £5,250, making a potential total of £10,500.

For More Information about Open GI:
Adele Clarkson
Marketing and PR Manager
Open GI
Tel: +44 (0)1905 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 20,000 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 350 people and a 30-year heritage, the company enjoys a strong financial performance. For the year ended 31st May 2010 Open GI reported revenues of £35.0 million and an operating profit of £21.1 million.