Tribute to James Harrison: The Lifesaver Who Donated Plasma for 60 Years
Melbourne, Australia — James Harrison, a dedicated blood plasma donor whose contributions are credited with saving approximately 2.4 million infants over six decades, has passed away at the age of 88. His family announced his death on February 17 at a nursing home located on the central coast of New South Wales.
A Legacy of Life-Saving Donations
Harrison, who worked as a state railway department clerk, began donating blood plasma shortly after turning 18 in 1954. Throughout his life, he made a remarkable 1,173 donations until his retirement in 2018 at age 81. His plasma was uniquely rich in anti-D antibodies, essential in preventing hemolytic disease of the newborn—a potentially life-threatening condition for infants born to Rh-negative mothers.
Impact on Maternal and Infant Health
Annually, anti-D donors, of whom Australia has only about 200, assist in treating around 45,000 mothers and their newborns, highlighting the significant need for such blood products. Harrison’s commitment to this cause has earned him recognition, including a title from Guinness World Records in 2005 for being the individual with the highest number of blood plasma donations globally. His record was surpassed in 2022 by American Brett Cooper.
A Reflection on His Character
James Harrison was affectionately dubbed the “Man with the Golden Arm” by the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, now known as Lifeblood. Stephen Cornelissen, the organization’s chief executive, praised Harrison as “a remarkable, stoically kind and generous person” dedicated to a lifetime of altruism. Cornelissen noted that Harrison often believed the importance of his donations was equivalent to that of any donor, emphasizing a collective spirit of giving.
Family Legacy and Continued Need
Harrison’s dedication is personal for his family. His daughter, Tracey Mellowship, received anti-D treatment when she gave birth to her sons, and his grandson, Jarrod Mellowship, shared that his wife also required the treatment during their children’s births. Harrison’s commitment to donating blood was reportedly influenced by his own experience with blood transfusions during a major surgery at age 14.
Conclusion
James Harrison’s passing marks the loss of a true humanitarian whose contributions to society will continue to resonate through the lives he saved. He is survived by his sister, daughter, two grandsons, and four great-grandchildren.
