James Harrison, known as the “Man with the Golden Arm,” has passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of saving 2.4 million babies through his blood donations. His rare Anti-D antibody was used to create life-saving treatments that prevented Haemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN), a condition that once claimed countless lives. Despite his fear of needles, Harrison donated plasma more than 1,100 times over six decades, never missing an appointment until his retirement in 2018.
His selfless commitment earned him the Medal of the Order of Australia and inspired groundbreaking research into replicating his antibodies in the lab. Fewer than 200 Anti-D donors remain in Australia today, helping approximately 45,000 mothers and babies each year. His daughter, Tracey Mellowship, described him as a “humanitarian at heart,” proud to have saved so many lives without cost or pain. As scientists continue working on lab-grown Anti-D, Harrison’s impact will live on, ensuring his kindness continues to protect future generations.