SALIM Mulla has revealed he has exceeded his target £40,000 to buy two new kidney dialysis machines for Royal Blackburn Hospital with his Mayoral appeal.

The extra cash he has raised, currently £16,000 and rising, will be used to support sufferers from renal disease.

The Queen’s Park councillor revealed the success of his appeal as Blackburn with Darwen council was set to confirm veteran Tory Alan Cottam as his successor as the borough’s first citizen.

He revealed proceeds from his charity appeal would be split between the local branch Soldiers, Sailors and Airmens Family Association and the East Lancashire Hospice in Blackburn.

Coun Mulla chose the dialysis machines and raising awareness of kidney disease because his wife and Mayoress Sayeeda had to wait six years to find a suitable match for a transplant after developing kidney disease just over eight years ago.

He said: “I can reveal I have not only achieved my target of £40,000 to buy to machines but raised £56,000 with more to come.

“I shall use the surplus to provide support for kidney disease suffers in the borough.

“My year as Mayor has been amazing. I have met the Queen at Blackburn Cathedral and seen the new Bishop of Blackburn Julian Henderson consecrated in York Minster.

“When I first came to Blackburn aged seven I could never have believed I could become the borough’s Mayor and have such a fantastic year.

“I have enjoyed every minute.”

Thursday’s meeting of Blackburn with Darwen borough’s full Council Forum will confirm 74-year-old Livesey with Pleasington councillor Alan Cottam as the 2014/2015 Mayor, the first Conservative since Sheila Williams in 2010/2011.

He said: “I am really looking forward to becoming Mayor of the borough.

“I congratulate Salim on his appeal. Well done.”

The council Labour group will choose their candidate as deputy mayor for the coming year and Mayor in 2015/216 on Wednesday night.

The transfer of office and Mayor making will take place on Thursday, June 5.