James Harrison, Australia’s most prolific blood donor, has passed away at age 88, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of saving over 2.4 million babies through his rare blood donations. Known as the “Man with the Golden Arm”, Harrison donated blood and plasma 1,173 times over six decades, providing a life-saving antibody (anti-D) used to prevent haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN).
A Lifelong Commitment to Saving Lives
Harrison began donating blood at age 18, inspired by his own life-saving surgery at 14, which required nearly two gallons of donated blood. Despite his fear of needles, he committed to donating every two weeks from 1954 to 2018.
His rare anti-D antibody, discovered in the 1960s, became a crucial treatment for pregnant women at risk of HDFN, a condition where a mother’s immune system attacks her unborn child’s blood cells. Seventeen percent of Australian women require anti-D injections, and Harrison became the nation’s first and most consistent donor.
Recognition and Retirement
For his extraordinary contributions, Harrison received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 1999. However, he remained humble, often saying, “I’m just sitting in a chair, giving blood. It’s no hardship.”
At age 81, he was forced to retire due to Australia’s age restrictions on blood donation. His final donation in May 2018 was attended by grateful mothers and their babies, all of whom had benefited from the anti-D treatment derived from his plasma.
A Legacy That Lives On
Harrison’s daughter, Tracey Mellowship, was among those who received an anti-D injection while pregnant. She reflected on his impact, stating, “He was immensely proud to have saved so many lives, including those in his own family.”
Today, only 200 donors in Australia regularly provide anti-D plasma, helping 45,000 mothers and babies annually. Scientists are now working on a synthetic version of the antibody, a project named “James in a Jar”, to extend his impact beyond his lifetime.
Harrison’s selfless dedication has left an indelible mark on medical science, ensuring that his legacy continues to save lives for generations to come.
