"James Harrison: The Lifesaver with a Golden Arm Passes Away at 88"

"James Harrison, renowned for his contributions to saving lives through blood donation, passed away in New South Wales, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and the impact of his rare Anti-D antibodies."

James Harrison, known as one of the world's most significant blood donors for his miraculous contributions to neonatal health, has passed away peacefully at 88 years old at a nursing home in New South Wales, Australia. His family announced his death on February 17, 2023. Harrison's remarkable journey as a blood donor began when, inspired by the transfusions he received during major chest surgery at age 14, he vowed to give back by donating blood and plasma.

Mother Nature bestowed upon Harrison a rare antibody known as Anti-D, which has become vital in treating pregnant women whose blood could potentially harm their unborn children. Through his lifelong commitment, Harrison's donations helped save an astounding 2.4 million babies from a life-threatening condition called haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN), which can result in severe complications or death.

Starting his donation routine at age 18 and continuing bi-weekly until he was 81, Harrison once held the Guinness World Record for the most blood plasma donated. His daughter, Tracey Mellowship, expressed immense pride in her father's legacy, stating that he took joy in knowing countless families owe their existence to his selfless acts.

While fewer than 200 individuals in Australia possess the ability to produce Anti-D, these rare donors assist around 45,000 mothers and their babies yearly, as reported by the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, also known as Lifeblood. Efforts are underway at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research to develop lab-grown anti-D antibodies that could extend Harrison’s impact globally, addressing the ongoing challenges posed by a shortage of regular donors capable of producing essential antibodies.

David Irving, Lifeblood's research director, highlighted the significance of Harrison's contributions, as the search for reliable therapies in combating HDFN continues to be a top priority in medical research.