James Harrison, renowned globally as one of the most dedicated blood donors, passed away peacefully in a nursing home in New South Wales, Australia on February 17. His family confirmed the news recently, marking the end of an inspiring life that had a profound impact on countless others. At the time of his death, Harrison was 88 years old.
Affectionately called "the man with the golden arm," Harrison's blood contained a unique antibody known as Anti-D, which is critical in creating medication for expectant mothers whose blood might react negatively with that of their unborn child. His journey as a donor began when he was just 14, after receiving transfusions during major chest surgery, leading him to pledge a lifelong commitment to blood donation.
From the age of 18, Harrison donated his plasma biweekly until he was 81, amassing a remarkable total of plasma donations. In 2005, he held the world record for the most plasma donated—accolades that remained until they were surpassed by a US donor in 2022.
Harrison's daughter, Tracey Mellowship, remarked on her father's pride in saving so many lives without causing pain or expense to others. She shared that her father often stated, “It does not hurt, and the life you save could be your own.” Tracey, alongside two of Harrison's grandchildren who also received anti-D treatments, highlighted that stories like theirs existed due to his generous spirit.
The Anti-D injections play a crucial role in protecting unborn children from the potentially fatal condition known as hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). Before the advent of Anti-D therapy in the 1960s, many babies diagnosed with HDFN faced grim outcomes. While the exact reason behind the richness of Harrison's blood in Anti-D remains uncertain, his extensive blood transfusions as a teenager are believed to have played a role.
In Australia, there are fewer than 200 individuals who can donate Anti-D, yet they assist about 45,000 mothers and children each year. The Australian Red Cross Blood Service, known colloquially as Lifeblood, is actively collaborating with the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research to develop artificial Anti-D antibodies that could help pregnant women globally. David Irving, Lifeblood’s research director, calls the creation of this new therapy a ‘holy grail,’ emphasizing the ongoing need for committed donors who can produce high-quality antibodies.
