Renowned Blood Donor James Harrison, Known for Saving Millions of Babies, Passes Away

Harrison, celebrated for his selfless contributions to blood donation, was instrumental in developing anti-D treatments that protect unborn babies from severe blood disorders. His legacy continues to inspire future generations.

James Harrison, one of the most exceptional blood donors in history, passed away peacefully in his sleep at a nursing home in New South Wales, Australia, on February 17. He was 88 years old. Harrison, affectionately known as the man with the golden arm, gained recognition for having blood that contained a rare antibody called Anti-D, which plays a crucial role in preventing potentially fatal blood disorders in unborn babies.

His journey of altruism began when he received life-saving transfusions following major chest surgery at the age of 14. This experience motivated him to start donating plasma at 18, a commitment he maintained bi-weekly until age 81. His remarkable contributions earned him a place in the Guinness World Records for the most blood plasma donated—a title he held until 2022.

Harrison's daughter, Tracey Mellowship, expressed pride in her father’s legacy, saying, “He was very proud to have saved so many lives, without any cost or pain.” Notably, both she and two of Harrison's grandchildren have benefited from the Anti-D treatments, further underscoring the personal significance of his life’s work.

Anti-D immunizations are essential for protecting unborn children from hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), a condition that can arise when a mother's blood type is incompatible with her baby’s. Before the introduction of anti-D treatments in the mid-1960s, approximately 50% of babies diagnosed with HDFN did not survive.

While the reason behind Harrison’s particularly rich antibody supply remains undetermined, it is speculated that it may stem from his extensive blood transfusion history. In Australia, fewer than 200 dedicated anti-D donors are currently available, but they provide essential support to around 45,000 mothers and their babies annually.

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service, known as Lifeblood, is now working alongside the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research to replicate Harrison's unique anti-D antibodies in the lab, aiming to establish a new source of treatment for pregnant women globally.

According to Lifeblood's research director David Irving, the pursuit of creating a sustainable therapy from lab-made antibodies is a long-standing goal within the medical community. He emphasized the ongoing challenge of obtaining adequate, high-quality donors who can consistently produce essential antibodies. Harrison's legacy will undoubtedly resonate as these efforts progress.