James Harrison, the Australian blood donor known as the “Man with the Golden Arm,” has passed away at the age of 88. Over six decades, Harrison donated blood more than 1,100 times, helping to save an estimated 2.4 million babies. His plasma contained a rare antibody, Anti-D, which has been used since the 1960s to prevent rhesus disease, a condition that can be fatal for unborn babies. Harrison’s selfless commitment to donation continued until he reached 81, the maximum age limit for plasma donors in Australia.
Harrison’s journey as a blood donor began at 14 after he underwent lung surgery and needed transfusions himself. Inspired by those who had helped save his life, he vowed to become a donor. When doctors discovered that his blood carried the rare Anti-D antibody, he became a crucial part of a medical breakthrough that has protected millions of pregnancies worldwide. Despite receiving Australia’s highest honor, the Medal of the Order of Australia, Harrison remained humble, insisting that his donations were no more special than anyone else’s.
Lifeblood CEO Stephen Cornelissen called Harrison a “remarkable, stoically kind, and generous person” whose legacy would live on. His daughter, Tracey Mellowship, noted that even she was a recipient of the Anti-D treatment, meaning that without her father’s donations, their family might not have existed. She described him as a humanitarian with a great sense of humor, always encouraging others to donate by reminding them that “the life you save could be your own.”
Harrison passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 17. His incredible contributions to medical science and the countless families he helped will be remembered for generations. While his donation record may one day be surpassed, his impact on the world is immeasurable.
