James Harrison, one of the world’s most frequent blood donors, is credited with saving over 2.4 million infants. He died at the age of 88.
His family reported on Monday that he died peacefully in his sleep at a nursing facility in New South Wales, Australia, on February 17.
A Lifesaving Legacy
Harrison began donating blood in 1954, but doctors soon discovered something remarkable: his blood carried unusual and potent antibodies to the D Rh group antigen.
This rendered his blood essential in the fight against haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), a condition that can develop when a Rh(D) negative mother carries a Rh(D) positive kid. Without intervention, this can result in severe anaemia, brain damage, miscarriage, or infant death.
Recognising the potential for life-saving contributions, Harrison became a founding donor of the New South Wales Rh Programme in 1969, one of the first of its kind in the world. Unlike entire blood, plasma can be donated every two weeks, allowing him to make an incredible 1,173 contributions in his lifetime.
He made his final contribution on May 11, 2018, at the age of 81, in accordance with Australian laws that ban anyone above that age from donating blood.
Harrison’s dedication contributed to the production of every batch of anti-D therapy in New South Wales, averting thousands of deaths and countless cases of disease and incapacity. On June 7, 1999, he received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his contributions.
tributes from the Australian Red Cross Blood Service
Lifeblood Chief Executive Officer Stephen Cornelissen AM praised Harrison’s remarkable gift, stating:
James was a remarkable, compassionate, and generous individual dedicated to a lifetime of giving. He captured the hearts of people all across the world.
He stretched his arm 1,173 times to help others—babies he would never know—without expecting anything in return. Even at his darkest moments, after losing his wife Barbara, who was also a blood donor, he continued to donate.
He leaves an outstanding legacy, and he hoped that one day, someone in Australia would beat his donation record.
James Harrison’s altruism altered the course of medical history, demonstrating how one person’s kindness may save millions. His legacy will have an ongoing impact on the lives of future generations.