James Harrison, record-breaking blood donor who saved millions of babies, dies at 88

James Harrison, an Australian who became a hero for his extraordinary contributions to blood donation, has passed away at the age of 88. Known as the "man with the golden arm," Harrison’s blood plasma donations saved an estimated 2.4 million babies over several decades.

Harrison, who died in his sleep on February 17 at a nursing home in New South Wales, is widely celebrated for his rare blood type, which contained a unique antibody known as Anti-D. This antibody became crucial in creating a medication that protects unborn babies from a potentially deadly blood disorder called hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN).

The condition occurs when a Rh-negative mother’s immune system attacks the red blood cells of her Rh-positive baby, often resulting in severe health complications or even death. The development of the Anti-D injection in the 1960s made it possible to prevent this condition, saving the lives of thousands of babies each year.

Born in New South Wales, Harrison began donating blood plasma at the age of 18. His first donation came shortly after a major lung surgery he had at the age of 14, which sparked his decision to give back through regular blood donations. Over the next six decades, Harrison donated plasma every two weeks until his retirement in 2018, at the age of 81.

Harrison’s legacy is marked by his dedication and generosity, which saw him make over 1,173 donations during his lifetime. His efforts earned him recognition from the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, which referred to him as the “man with the golden arm.” His world record for the most blood plasma donations was a title he held from 2005 until it was surpassed in 2022 by an American donor.

In a statement, Stephen Cornelissen, the CEO of Lifeblood (formerly known as the Australian Red Cross Blood Service), praised Harrison for his remarkable contributions, noting that his selflessness saved millions of lives. Harrison’s daughter, Tracey Mellowship, added that her father was always “proud to have saved so many lives, without any cost or pain.”

Harrison’s contributions were also deeply personal, as members of his own family received the life-saving Anti-D injections. Mellowship herself and two of Harrison's grandchildren benefited from the treatment, underscoring the profound impact of his actions.

Throughout his life, Harrison remained humble about his achievements, believing that anyone could make a difference through regular donations. His family recalls that he was always surprised by the attention he received, including his recognition by the Guinness World Records in 2005.

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service continues to rely on the commitment of a small number of Anti-D donors, with fewer than 200 such donors in the country. These individuals help an estimated 45,000 mothers and their babies each year, ensuring that Harrison’s legacy lives on.

Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research are now working to replicate Harrison's blood in the lab, hoping to develop synthetic versions of the Anti-D antibody for use in pregnant women worldwide. Lifeblood’s research director, David Irving, called this a "holy grail" in the field, with the hope that lab-grown Anti-D could one day benefit families across the globe.

He is survived by his daughter, two grandsons, and four great-grandchildren.