Man Who Donated Blood to Save 2.4 Million Babies Dies at 88

James Harrison, Australia’s “Man with the Golden Arm” Who Helped Save Over 2.4 Million Babies, Dies at 88. James Harrison, the Australian man whose extraordinary blood donations helped save the lives of more than 2.4 million babies, has passed away at the age of 88. Known around the world as “The Man with the Golden Arm,” Harrison became a national hero and international symbol of generosity due to a unique and rare antibody found in his blood — an antibody that was used for decades to create life-saving treatments for a deadly pregnancy complication known as rhesus disease.

A Life-Saving Promise Made at 14

Harrison’s incredible journey began when he was just 14 years old. After undergoing major chest surgery that required the removal of a lung, he relied on the generosity of strangers who donated blood to keep him alive. Deeply moved by the experience, and filled with gratitude, he made a personal vow: as soon as he was old enough, he would become a blood donor himself.

True to his word, Harrison began donating blood at the age of 18, and what followed was a lifelong commitment that would have an immeasurable impact. He donated blood and plasma regularly—every two weeks for more than six decades—until he was 81, when he was required to stop due to reaching Australia’s upper age limit for plasma donation. In total, he donated more than 1,100 times, a record-breaking feat that has earned him national honors and international recognition.

A Rare Antibody That Changed Medicine

What made Harrison’s donations so critically important was not just their quantity, but their unique quality. His blood contains a rare antibody known as Anti-D, which is essential in the prevention of rhesus disease, or hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). This condition occurs when a pregnant woman with Rh-negative blood develops antibodies that attack the red blood cells of her Rh-positive baby, potentially leading to miscarriage, brain damage, stillbirth, or death shortly after birth.

In the 1960s, doctors in Australia developed an Anti-D immunoglobulin made using plasma from donors like Harrison. This treatment has since become standard in many countries and is administered to Rh-negative mothers during pregnancy to prevent the disease from developing. Thanks to Harrison’s consistent donations and the presence of the rare antibody in his plasma, millions of babies were born healthy who might not have otherwise survived.

Although there were other donors who contributed to the Anti-D program, no one in history has donated as much, or helped save as many lives through this specific treatment, as James Harrison.

A Legacy That Lives in Millions

James Harrison passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 17, leaving behind a family—and a world—grateful for his lifelong act of selflessness. His daughter, Tracey Mellowship, revealed that she herself had received an Anti-D injection during her own pregnancy, meaning her children owe their lives to the same gift that her father gave to countless others.

“He was proud to have saved so many lives,” Tracey said. “It made him happy to hear stories from families like ours—families who exist because of the kindness of one man. My children, his grandchildren, are here today thanks to him. That’s a legacy few can claim.”

A National Hero Remembered

Over the years, Harrison received numerous awards and honors for his service, including the Medal of the Order of Australia. He was also recognized by the Australian Red Cross and honored in public ceremonies celebrating his final blood donation in 2018.

Yet for Harrison, the true reward was never fame or recognition. His motivation remained simple and pure: to help others survive, just as he had been helped all those years ago as a teenager.

In interviews, he often expressed how fulfilling it was to know his blood was making a difference. He once said, “I’ve saved a lot of lives and got a lot of new kids into the world. That makes me feel good.”

A Legacy Etched in Humanity

James Harrison’s story is one of compassion, consistency, and quiet heroism. His blood may have saved millions of babies, but his example has inspired countless others to become blood donors, to show up for strangers, and to recognize that one person can indeed make an enormous difference.

His legacy will continue to live on—not only in the scientific advancements his donations supported but in the lives of millions of children, parents, and families across Australia and around the globe. James Harrison gave the world a priceless gift: life. And in doing so, he became not just a hero of medicine, but a symbol of the very best of humanity.