Australian man who saved 2.4 million babies with his world record blood donations dies aged 88

An Australian man who once held the Guinness World Record for donating blood more times than anyone else in the world for 17 years passed away on Feb. 17, 2025.

James Harrison died at the age of 88, having saved the lives of more than two million babies with his blood.

Began donating blood at the age of 18

Harrison had a precious antibody in his blood that is used to make a lifesaving medication called Anti-D, which is given to mothers whose blood is at risk of attacking their unborn babies, according to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.

Before becoming a blood donor, Harrison himself received more than a dozen units of blood after undergoing major chest surgery at just 14 years old.

He began donating blood at the age of 18 despite an aversion to needles and continued to do so fortnightly for more than 60 years.

More than a decade later, Harrison's blood was discovered to contain an important antibody that was needed to make Anti-D injections.

"It was thanks to James's prolific efforts as a blood donor that Australia became the first country in the world to be self-sufficient in the supply of anti-D," said Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.

"It’s with enormous gratitude that we acknowledge the generous life of James Harrison, who passed away in February 2025, aged 88. We thank James for the incredible contribution he made and the millions of lives he has saved."

"The man with the golden arm"

Dubbed "The man with the golden arm", Harrison donated blood 1,173 times and contributed to three million doses of anti-D for Australian babies.

One of which was his daughter, Tracey Mellowship.

“James was a humanitarian at heart, but also very funny,” Mellowship said, adding:

“He was also very proud to have saved so many lives, without any cost or pain. It made him happy to hear about the many families like ours, who existed because of his kindness."

He made his last blood donation on May 11, 2018, at the age of 81 years old.

Harrison held the Guinness World Record for donating blood more times than anyone else in the world in 2005.

He said at the time of his last donation, “I hope it’s a record that somebody breaks because it will mean they are dedicated to the cause.”

Harrison was overtaken by American Brett Cooper in 2022.

Those in Singapore who would like to donate blood can find more information here.

Top image via Lifeblood website