Dressed in an elegant ensemble by George Gross & Harry Who, cancer campaigner Mrs Harahan and her husband David renewed their 40-year-old vows in front of a church packed with family, friends and well wishes.

Producers of Nine Network’s newest reality show, Random Act of Kindness, who were responsible for organsing Saturday’s events, kept much of the day’s proceedings a secret from the couple.

According to Mrs Hanrahan, she couldn’t believe everyone had managed to keep quiet about the event for almost a month.

“(Recently) I nearly lost David to a heart attack and aneurism, so I feel very blessed by what has happened and blown away that there is so much love,” said Mrs Hanrahan.

“‘Things don’t matter; for me it’s all about building memories.

“Because of everything that has happened over the last 12 months, including David’s health problems, I was prepared to let our 40th wedding anniversary just go by.

“I thought we might have a simple mass at home. However that turned into something that’s bigger than Ben Hur.”

Apart from Saturday’s elaborate wedding and reception, the couple was also given a second honeymoon to Cape Tribulation and A-grade tickets to a live show of their choice in Sydney.