A newly-refurbished stroke rehabilitation unit was today officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Abdul Osman at Leicester General Hospital.
The opening of the unit marked the end of his year-long appeal which has raised more than £80,000 - £20,000 more than the original target.
Cash has already been spent on creating a relatives' room at Leicester Royal Infirmary and on new equipment.
The latest project was the opening of the unit catering for 15-17 city patients at a time recovering from stroke.
Coun Osman said: "I am very pleased the appeal has been so successful.
"It has been a team effort with a mixture of charity events as well as donations from staff, individuals and patients.
"We have also visited community groups, mosques, temples and voluntary organisations to raise awareness of stroke.
"It has been a difficult economic year and I had a target of raising £60,000 so am very pleased so much more is coming in."
The inspiration for the appeal came from Coun Osman's niece, Zaheeda Sotta, a ward sister on Ward 26 at the infirmary which caters for stroke patients.
Coun Osman said: "She convinced me of the appeal and how important it was.
"It was a local cause and something I thought people would be able to relate to."
The unit opens out on to a specially created garden which was funded with cash from the Lord Mayor's "forget-me-not" appeal last year when Coun Colin Hall was raising money to help dementia sufferers.
He said: "I am so pleased the garden is such an asset and it is nice to hear from staff how many patients are enjoying it."
The new rehabilitation unit, on ward 3 at the general hospital, has been opened for city patients recovering from stroke who need extra care before they are well enough to go home.
In the past they have either had to stay on a main hospital ward or go to a community hospital.
Dr Rachael Marsh, a stroke consultant, said: "This money has allowed us to buy special chairs and dining equipment so patients can eat in a more normal environment.
"We have also been able to equip a kitchen to help teach patients how to cope when they do go home."
She added: "Thanks to the Lord Mayor's appeal we have also been able to provide a relatives' room at Leicester Royal Infirmary and buy new assessment equipment.
"There is a little bit of money left and we are going to use that for further specialist stroke training for staff."
People can still donate to the appeal by calling 0116 258 8709 or going to www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/leicester-hospitals-charity/strokeappeal/
