GROWING small but thinking big – a Bonsai tree expert has raised a pot of cash to help save lives.

Richard Reah, 44, owner of North of England Bonsai in Baldersby, near Thirsk, exhibits his miniature masterpieces at shows across the UK with his wife Judith.

And when St John Ambulance volunteers at both the Hampton Court Palace and the Tatton Park flower shows treated he and his wife when they were taken ill, he wanted to thank the charity for their help and support.

So he set about raising cash at the shows he visited – and brought in £1,300 to buy a heart defibrillator for use by the first aid charity at events across the region.

“My wife and I have always been very grateful for the superb treatment and help we received from St John Ambulance first aiders,” he said.

“We really appreciate that volunteers give up their time to sustain this wonderful service.

“In return we wanted to say thanks by providing a piece of equipment that could benefit others and potentially help save lives.”

He presented the machine to St John Ambulance’s central district manager Kelvin Williams and local volunteers while exhibiting at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show.