At time of writing, the big event is just over a week away. I'm terrified, nervous, and excited, and extremely thankful for the incredible amount of support everyone has shown me so far.

I thought I would set up this site to give you all an idea of why I'm running, and to thank you all for the extremely generous donations you've already made to Macmillan, while providing an easy way for you to donate if you haven't yet. But please know that I appreciate your support in spirit even if you aren't able to donate, I've been humbled by everyone's help and wonderful ability to keep me motivated!

Macmillan Cancer Care is the charity I'm supporting with my running. They're an amazing organisation that provide help to those battling cancer, and they're right there when sufferers need them most. They provide nursing, support groups, counselling and many other invaluable services to patients and their families.

Two years ago today, my grandfather passed away.

As you can imagine, this was a very trying time for my family, and especially so as we are widespread: at the time, I was living in Edinburgh and travelling to YC interviews. It wasn't easy for us to provide the care my granddad needed, and Macmillan stepped in to support my granddad, my granny and the entire family.

I'm running in memory of my granddad, Dr William Lees. He was an incredible man who accomplished an amazing amount. A key member of the NHS in the 1960s, he was appointed honorary Queen's Physician and awarded a CBE for services to medicine. He was also chairman of Macmillan Nurses in Hertfordshire.

Without my granddad, I wouldn't have had the financial support or belief in myself to become an entrepreneur. So it's my turn to give back, in what little way I can.

This will be my first marathon, and for those who know me well, you'll know how much this means. In late 2008 I decided to do something about my health and lost 5 stone (70lb), taking up running as an outlet for all the new energy.

Since moving to America I ran more regularly and completed two half marathons within two weeks last October, though the abundance of fast food and unhealthy snacks has caused me to pile on a few pounds since arriving here.

Running this marathon is a huge challenge to my mind and body, but I'm convinced I can manage it.

For Granddad, and for every family that needs help when cancer strikes.

I appreciate your donations more than words can convey, and note that every penny you donate through my page is going to be doubled by Google, so every little bit really does help. Thank you, a million times over.

--Jennie