The 100-Year Life Health Education and Government
James Harrison, the world’s most prolific blood donor, has died in Australia aged 88 having helped save the lives of more than 2.4 million babies.
Harrison’s blood plasma contained a rare antibody crucial for developing Anti-D, a treatment given to pregnant women whose blood is at risk of causing stillbirth and neonatal deaths.
Harrison received a lifesaving blood transfusion after surgery when he was 14.
When he turned 18 he started donating blood every fortnight and only stopped in 2018 because he passed the legal age limit.
Over 64 years of donating he never missed an appointment. Harrison’s blood may continue to save lives as researchers use his plasma to try to grow the antibody in laboratory conditions.
“James extended his arm to help others and babies he would never know a remarkable 1,173 times,” said the CEO of Australian Red Cross Lifeblood. “And expected nothing in return.”
