James Harrison, known worldwide as the man with the “golden arm,” has passed away at the age of 88. He died peacefully in his sleep at a nursing home in New South Wales, Australia, on February 17, 2025. Harrison’s extraordinary contribution to saving lives has made him one of the most well-known and beloved figures in the global blood donation community, with his plasma saving the lives of more than 2 million babies.
Harrison’s blood contained a rare antibody, Anti-D, which has been used to create a medication that prevents a deadly blood disorder called Hemolytic Disease of the Foetus and Newborn (HDFN). His selfless contributions to blood donation, which began when he was just 18, have earned him global recognition.
James Harrison’s remarkable legacy as a blood donor began after he received life-saving transfusions during a major chest surgery when he was 14 years old. In gratitude for the treatment he received, Harrison pledged to donate blood as soon as he was able. By the time he was 18, he began donating blood plasma every two weeks, a habit he continued for an astonishing 63 years.
His plasma donations contained high levels of a rare antibody, Anti-D, which proved crucial for treating HDFN, a condition that occurs when a pregnant woman’s blood type is incompatible with that of her unborn baby. If untreated, this condition can lead to severe anaemia, heart failure, or even death in the baby. The medication derived from Anti-D can prevent the mother’s immune system from attacking the baby’s red blood cells, saving countless lives.
In 2005, Harrison set a world record for the most blood plasma donated, a record he held until 2022 when he was surpassed by another donor in the United States. Despite this, his influence on the field of blood donation remains unparalleled.
Over the course of his life, Harrison’s plasma donations directly impacted the health and survival of over 2 million babies. The Australian Red Cross Blood Service, which worked closely with Harrison, praised his dedication and generosity.
Harrison’s daughter, Tracey Mellowship, reflected on her father’s legacy in an emotional tribute. “He was very proud to have saved so many lives, without any cost or pain. He always said it does not hurt, and the life you save could be your own,” she recalled.
Mellowship added that she and her two children were also recipients of the Anti-D immunisations that her father’s donations helped create. “It made him happy to hear about the many families like ours, who existed because of his kindness,” she said.
The key to Harrison’s life-saving contributions lies in his blood’s rare richness in Anti-D antibodies. These antibodies have played a crucial role in preventing the tragic effects of HDFN, a condition that, before the introduction of Anti-D treatment in the mid-1960s, led to the death of one in every two babies diagnosed with the disorder.
Harrison’s blood was unique, though the exact reason for its richness in Anti-D remains unclear. Some experts believe it could be linked to the massive blood transfusion he received when he was 14, after a chest surgery. Whatever the cause, his plasma has helped to create a vital medication that continues to save lives worldwide.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service, also known as Lifeblood, has long acknowledged the scarcity of suitable Anti-D donors. There are fewer than 200 people in Australia who regularly donate blood that contains this vital antibody, helping around 45,000 mothers and babies each year.
The discovery of Harrison’s rare blood type made him a national hero, and his donations were instrumental in saving the lives of countless unborn children. “James Harrison’s contribution is a testament to the power of one person’s dedication to making a difference,” said David Irving, the research director at Lifeblood.
