Legendary Blood Donor James Harrison Dies at 88 After Saving Millions of Babies

Canberra: James Harrison, known as the “Man With the Golden Arm,” has died at 88 after saving millions of babies.
His rare plasma, rich in Anti-D antibodies, helped protect unborn babies from Rhesus disease complications.
Harrison donated blood more than 1,100 times over six decades, never missing a session until retiring at 81.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood credits him with saving over 2.4 million Australian newborns from deadly complications.
His remarkable contribution made him one of Australia’s most celebrated blood donors and a national hero.

Rare Antibody

Harrison had a rare blood type, making him one of fewer than 200 Australians able to produce enough Anti-D.
Anti-D prevents RhD disease, which occurs when a mother’s immune system attacks her unborn baby’s blood.
Before Anti-D’s discovery, RhD led to severe complications, including brain damage, heart failure, or infant death.
In the 1960s, Harrison’s blood was crucial in developing a treatment that drastically reduced RhD fatalities.
His donations helped transform maternal and infant healthcare, preventing countless tragic losses worldwide.

Recognition and Awards

James Harrison saw his donations as a moral duty and continued even after losing his wife, Barbara.
In 1999, he received the Medal of the Order of Australia for his extraordinary contributions to public health.
From 2005 to 2022, he held the Guinness World Record for most plasma donations in history.
Lifeblood CEO Stephen Cornelissen praised Harrison as a kind, selfless man who expected nothing in return.
Harrison’s generosity inspired people globally, proving that one person’s dedication can save countless lives.

Family Tribute

His daughter Tracy Mellowship described him as a humanitarian who was proud of his lifesaving contributions.
She shared that Harrison was thrilled to become a great-grandfather to Trey and Addison before passing away.
As an Anti-D recipient herself, she acknowledged that her family might not exist without his precious donations.
Harrison often said donating blood was painless and urged others to help save lives like he did.
His kindness and commitment to saving others left a lasting impact on generations of families worldwide.

Lasting Legacy

Harrison passed away peacefully at Peninsula Village Nursing Home on the NSW Central Coast on February 17.
His impact continues as researchers work on developing a synthetic version of Anti-D, dubbed “James in a Jar.”
This lab-made treatment aims to provide a sustainable way to protect future generations of unborn babies.
Harrison’s wish was for someone to surpass his record and continue the mission of saving lives.
His legacy remains an inspiration, proving that one man’s generosity can change millions of lives.