An Australian whose blood saved 2.4 million babies dies. [JAMES HARRISONS]

James Harrison, The Man Who Saved 2.4 Million Babies With His Blood, Dies Aged 88

James Christopher Harrison OAM was an Australian blood plasma donor whose plasma contained antibodies that made it valuable for treatment against Rh disease. Wikipedia

Born: December 27, 1936, Australia

Died: February 17, 2025 (age 88 years)

Spouse: Barbara Lindbeck ​ ​(m. 1949; died 2005)​

Children: Tracey Mellowship

Nationality: Australian

How much blood has James Harrison donated?

Lifeblood—the Australian Red Cross branch responsible for blood donations—announced on Saturday that Harrison died "peacefully in his sleep" at a nursing home on Feb. 17. According to Lifeblood, Harrison donated blood and plasma a whopping 1,173 times, every two weeks, between 1954 and 2018.

James Harrison, whose blood donations saved over 2 million ...

1. **Who is the man with the rarest blood type?**  

   James Harrison, known as "The Man with the Golden Arm," had a rare blood type containing the Anti-D antibody, crucial in saving millions of babies from Rhesus disease.

2. **Has anyone donated blood 1000 times?**  

   Yes, James Harrison donated blood 1,173 times over six decades, making him one of the most prolific blood donors.

3. **What type of blood does James Harrison have?**  

   James Harrison's blood contained the rare Anti-D antibody, which was used to create life-saving medication for Rh-negative mothers.

4. **Who has the best blood?**  

   The "best" blood type depends on the context. For emergencies, O-negative is considered the universal donor type, while AB-positive is the universal plasma donor.

5. **Who is the highest blood donor?**  

   James Harrison held the Guinness World Record for the most blood plasma donations until 2022, with 1,173 donations.

6. **Who is the most wanted blood donor?**  

   People with O-negative blood are often the most sought-after donors because they can be used universally in emergencies.

7. **How much blood can a man donate at a time?**  

   A healthy adult can donate about 450 milliliters (one unit) of blood at a time, approximately 10% of their total blood volume.

8. **Australian blood donor dies.**  

   James Harrison, the renowned Australian blood donor who saved over 2.4 million babies with his rare blood, passed away at the age of 88 on February 17, 2025.

James Harrison, famously known as "The Man with the Golden Arm," was an extraordinary Australian blood donor whose contributions to medical science saved millions of lives. Born in 1936, Harrison's journey as a blood donor began at the age of 14 when he underwent major chest surgery and required multiple blood transfusions. This life-saving experience inspired him to give back, and at 18, he started donating blood.

Harrison's blood was unique because it contained the rare Anti-D antibody, which became instrumental in preventing Haemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN). This condition, caused by blood group incompatibility between a mother and her unborn baby, was once a significant cause of infant mortality. Harrison's plasma was used to develop the Anti-D injection, a life-saving treatment that has protected countless babies from this disease.

Over six decades, Harrison donated blood an incredible 1,173 times, helping to save the lives of more than 2.4 million babies worldwide. His unwavering commitment to donating blood earned him recognition and admiration globally. Despite his fear of needles, Harrison's dedication never wavered, and he continued donating until his retirement in 2018 at the age of 81.

Harrison's contributions extended beyond his medical impact. He was a humble and compassionate individual who inspired others to become blood donors. His legacy lives on through the lives he saved and the families he helped create. Sadly, James Harrison passed away on February 17, 2025, at the age of 88, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of kindness and selflessness.

His story is a testament to the power of one individual's dedication to making a difference in the world. If you'd like to know more about his life or the science behind the Anti-D treatment, feel free to ask!