Child abuse survivor Chris Harwood marries his ‘angel’ Rita with long-lost brother by his side
Chris Harwood, who has terminal cancer, has said ‘I do’ to the woman who saved him - surrounded by new-found family.
Lifestyle
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Child sex abuse survivor Chris Harwood, who has terminal cancer, married his “angel” Rita Romeo on Saturday night – with his long-lost brother by his side.
Chris and Stephen Harwood were reunited for the first time in 67 years on Thursday, after being separated as babies in their home town of Launceston, Tasmania.
Stephen, from Tennant Creek, stood alongside his older brother as Chris and Rita tied the knot at Sunnybrae Estate at Regency Park, while also celebrating Chris’ 69th birthday.
In an emotional moment, Stephen was introduced during proceedings as the newest member of Chris and Rita’s family.
Along a red carpet dotted with white rose petals, Rita walked down the aisle to Forever My Darling by Elvis Presley as a teary-eyed Chris waited under the arbour.
Sitting front and centre was Stephen, beaming at his new-found brother, alongside his children Lisa, Leigh and Benny.
The joyous ceremony was “all about love”, with Chris and Rita promising to honour and protect each other – their hands entwined tightly the whole time.
An emphatic “yes” cheered through the crowd as friends and loved ones were asked to love and support the couple.
The ceremony ended with Marry You by Bruno Mars ringing through the speakers, as Chris and Rita took the first steps into their new lives together – with their new family by their side.
Chris and Stephen were separated in 1955, after their mother left them and their father.
While Stephen was adopted into a new family in Victoria, Chris was placed into state care and experienced a life filled with unimaginable heartbreak, pain and injustice.
Neither knew the other existed until October last year and, after speaking over the phone for 12 months, were reunited in an emotional embrace this week.
Chris and Rita’s love story began when they met online in early 2018, spending two years doing long distance between Perth and Adelaide before Chris relocated to South Australia in February 2020.
“Just after we met, I wrote a letter for Rita on a serviette and it said, ‘I’m going to marry you one day’ … she still has it,” Chris said.
Just months later, he was given devastating news. In June 2020, he was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer, which had spread to his other organs.
But for now, Chris is focused on finally being surrounded by the love of both his beloved Rita and his new-found family.
“I never had anyone to love me like Rita does,” Chris said. “She’s an absolute angel from God.”
‘Heartbreaking’: Baby’s cancer battle after months of salmonella treatment
Baby Bryson was struggling for months, unable to get over salmonella, his mum was constantly bringing him to the doctor until finally they received a shocking diagnosis.
Three cheers! Ali Clarke reveals surprising new career move
The Adelaide media identity has announced a shock new career move just over two months after stepping away from breakfast radio.