James Harrison, one of the world’s most dedicated blood donors, has died at the age of 88. His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on 17 February at a nursing home in New South Wales, Australia.
Often referred to as “the man with the golden arm,” Harrison possessed a rare antibody known as Anti-D, which is used to create a life-saving treatment for pregnant women at risk of their immune system attacking their unborn child. His plasma donations are credited with saving the lives of more than two million babies.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service, also known as Lifeblood, paid tribute to James Harrison, noting that his commitment to donating blood began after he underwent major chest surgery at the age of 14 and required multiple transfusions. Determined to give back, he made his first plasma donation at 18 and continued to donate every two weeks until he was 81.
In 2005, James Harrison was recognized for holding the world record for the highest number of blood plasma donations, a title he held until 2022, when it was surpassed by a donor in the United States.
His daughter, Tracey Mellowship, described him as immensely proud of his contributions, emphasizing that he found joy in knowing he had helped so many families. “He always said it doesn’t hurt, and the life you save could be your own,” she recalled. Notably, Mellowship and two of Harrison’s grandchildren have also benefited from Anti-D immunizations.
Anti-D injections prevent haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), a serious condition in which a mother’s immune system attacks her baby’s red blood cells. Before the development of this treatment in the mid-1960s, HDFN led to the death of one in two affected babies.
The origins of James Harrison’s unique blood composition remain uncertain, though some believe it may be linked to the extensive blood transfusions he received as a teenager.
Today, fewer than 200 Anti-D donors exist in Australia, but their contributions help protect around 45,000 mothers and babies annually. In an effort to expand access to this vital treatment, Lifeblood is collaborating with the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research to develop laboratory-grown Anti-D antibodies. Scientists hope this breakthrough will one day provide life-saving treatment to pregnant women worldwide.
Dr. David Irving, Lifeblood’s research director, called the development of a lab-based Anti-D therapy a “holy grail” due to the difficulty in finding consistent, high-quality donors.
