Australian Red Cross Lifeblood donor James Harrison is credited with saving 2.4 million babies through his record-breaking blood plasma donations over decades.
James Harrison, an Australian man whose blood plasma donations saved 2.4 million babies, has passed away at the age of 88. His family confirmed that he died on February 17 in a nursing home on the central coast of New South Wales.
Harrison, a retired railway clerk, dedicated over six decades to donating blood plasma, despite his fear of needles. His selfless contributions earned him the title of “Man with the Golden Arm.”
A Lifelong Commitment to Saving Lives
Harrison began donating blood at the age of 18 in 1954, after undergoing major lung surgery as a teenager. His father had told him that he survived because of blood donors, which inspired him to give back. Over the years, he made a staggering 1,173 plasma donations before retiring in 2018 at 81.
In 2005, Guinness World Records recognized him as the person who had donated the most blood plasma worldwide. However, in 2022, American Brett Cooper from Michigan surpassed his record.
His grandson, Jarrod Mellowship, said Harrison never sought recognition but appreciated the attention if it helped raise awareness about blood donation.
A Rare Antibody That Saved Millions
Harrison’s plasma contained a rare antibody called anti-D, crucial in preventing hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). This condition occurs when a mother’s immune system attacks her baby’s red blood cells due to Rh incompatibility.
Australia has only 200 anti-D donors who help around 45,000 mothers and babies each year. Harrison’s contributions were instrumental in developing life-saving injections that have protected millions of newborns.
A Tribute from the Australian Red Cross
Lifeblood, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, paid tribute to Harrison, calling him a “remarkable and generous person.”
“James captured the hearts of many worldwide. He believed every donor played an equally important role in saving lives,” said Lifeblood CEO Stephen Cornelissen.
Harrison had hoped that someone in Australia would one day surpass his donation record, continuing the legacy of helping others.
A Personal Connection to His Cause
Harrison’s own family benefited from his life-saving donations. His daughter, Tracey Mellowship, required anti-D treatment during childbirth, as did his grandson’s wife, Rebecca Mellowship, for three of their four children.
Doctors believe Harrison developed high levels of the anti-D antibody after receiving blood transfusions during his surgery at 14. This unique trait allowed him to make a historic impact in the medical world.
A Lasting Legacy of James Harrison
Born in Junee, New South Wales, Harrison leaves behind a lasting legacy. He is survived by his sister Margaret Thrift, his daughter, two grandsons, and four great-grandchildren.
Though he is gone, his contributions will continue to save lives for generations to come.
