EMPLOYEES at Worcester's Warndon-based IT solutions specialist, Open International, have pledged to raise at least £3,500 for St Richard's Hospice in 2008.

The charity, which supports those with terminal illnesses, was chosen as a result of an in-company vote which saw the hospice in Wildwood Drive, Worcester, win with about 20 per cent of the 200 plus entries.

A number of staff are working on some dare devil events in an attempt to raise the £3,500.

If the target is achieved Open's board of directors will add a further £3,500.

This is crucial if they are to better the £9,300 raised for Acorns Children's Hospice last year.

A team of 14 in-field nurses at the hospice supplies free care and support to more than 1,700 patients and families a year.

St Richard's Hospice has very limited funding from the Government and has been running for more than 20 years.

Tricia Cavell, the fund-raising manager at St Richard's, said: "We are delighted that Open International has chosen to support the hospice.

It makes a difference for us to have the backing of businesses in the community so that we can carry on providing our specialist care to patients and families living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses."

Phillip Bell, chief executive officer at Open International, said: "Our staff take such a proactive approach to fund-raising, I feel this year will be no exception. One member of staff is already on a weight loss programme in order to raise money."