James Harrison, one of the world’s most dedicated blood donors, has passed away at the age of 88, BBC reported.
Known as Australia’s “man with the golden arm,” Harrison’s rare blood plasma contained the Anti-D antibody, which has saved over 2.4 million babies from a life-threatening condition.
Harrison died peacefully in his sleep at a nursing home in New South Wales on 17 February, his family confirmed.
His daughter, Tracey Mellowship, described him as “very proud to have saved so many lives, without any cost or pain,” adding that he always believed in the power of donation.
Having undergone major chest surgery at 14 and receiving multiple transfusions, Harrison pledged to become a donor.
He started donating plasma at 18 and continued every two weeks until he was 81.
In 2005, he held the world record for most plasma donated, a title he retained until 2022.
His contributions helped combat haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN), a severe condition that occurs when a mother’s immune system attacks her baby’s red blood cells. Before Anti-D treatments were introduced in the 1960s, the condition had a high fatality rate.
Lifeblood, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, estimates fewer than 200 Anti-D donors exist in Australia today, yet they assist around 45,000 mothers and babies each year.
Researchers are now working on producing lab-grown Anti-D antibodies to ensure continued protection for future generations.
