A SAPLING dedicated to the memory of each of the 14 Royal Marines who perished fighting in Afghanistan this year has been planted in 40 Commando's Memorial Garden .

In addition to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, a number were seriously injured, including the unit's two members who come from Hampshire.

The Royal Marines knew their six month deployment could result in significant casualties.

They were operating in and around Sangin, by far the most dangerous part of the Afghanistan .

Royal Navy First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, who visited his troops while they were there, is adamant about his service's commitment to the war: "I write to every single mother, father, wife or partner of any Royal Marine that we lose," he said.

"I think it's vital that we recognise their courage, commitment and sacrifice."

40 Commando's Major Renny Bulmer said this year's tour was considered a success because it had seen Royal Marines and the Afghan National Army enter areas of Helmand Province for the first time in several years - places where the Taleban had previously believed themselves to be safe.

"It was an arduous and challenging tour but we made a tremendous contribution to improving the security situation in the area, giving reassurance to the local population and allowing businesses to establish and flourish. However we sustained 14 fatalities and a number of serious injuries," he said.

Aware that this year's deployment might take it's toll, 40 Commando's Memorial Garden was doubled in size over the summer and a granite statue placed in its centre.

What the unit would like to do now is revamp their visitors' lodge, so that grieving relatives and the loved ones of injured Royal Marines can stay in comfort at the Taunton base.

And it's hoped that a one-off charity event, set to take place at Winchester 's River Park Leisure Centre on Sunday January 9, will provide them with the funds they need to do this.

A Sponsored Body Step will be held in the main hall there at 2pm, taken by regular teachers Philippa Wheble and Jo Todd.

River Park Leisure Centre leapt at the chance to assist the cause and has waived both the fee to hire the hall and the Body Steppers' payment for the class.

And the Royal Navy's marines are so keen for it to be a success that 10 of their elite commandos are going to take part.

Now all that's needed are 90 men and women to join them.

You don't have to be an Olympic athlete to participate, just someone with a big heart who takes regular exercise.

By being there you will be bringing help to a band of brave commandos and their families with - literally - every step.

Major Bulmer said that the men, women and children linked to 40 Cdo are a tight-knit community, who had pulled closely together during 2010.

"The high intensity and nature of this deployment meant a very strong bond was quickly built up between all the families, with messages and offers of assistance coming from those living right across the country.

"The Rear Operations Team provided support for relatives throughout the tour, keeping them updated on what was happening in Afghanistan through newsletters, emails, coffee mornings and updates on the Royal Navy Community website.

"They organised several Families' Days and ran trips for those with young children.

"But most importantly the team were there to directly support the families of those killed or injured on operations."

Despite the fact that 40 Cdo returned to Britain in October, the work continues.

"I has become obvious that the current welfare facilities at Norton Manor Camp could do with a major facelift," said Major Bulmer.

"The two main areas that need work are the Families' Room - used for events like coffee mornings and children's parties - and the Welfare Lodge which provides overnight accommodation for visiting families.

"Both these facilities are in almost constant use, the Lodge in particular for relatives visiting the Memorial Garden or staying in the area while accompanying injured marines back to the base for medical appointments."

Arrangements are in place so that money raised from the Sponsored Body Step can be quickly channelled through the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund - and redesigning the Welfare Lodge can start within weeks of the event.

"Our lodge is used nearly every night," said Major Bulmer.

"To be able to make it as comfortable and welcoming as possible will help 40 Cdo's families more than you could ever realise."

• If you would like to Body Step side-by-side with the Royal Marines in aid of 40 Cdo simply email royalmarinestep@aim.com or drop off your contact details in the designated box in the reception of River Park Leisure Centre. If you can't take part but would still like to make a difference, you can give a donation at www.justgiving.com/royalmarinestep. Thank you for supporting this cause.