Farewell to a Life-Saving Hero: The Man Behind Australia's Golden Arm**

The life of James Harrison, who donated plasma that saved over 2.4 million babies, came to an end at the age of 88, as tributes pour in for the man celebrated for his extraordinary contributions to medicine.**

James Harrison, celebrated as one of the world’s most prolific blood donors, has passed away at the age of 88 in a nursing home in New South Wales, Australia. Known as the “man with the golden arm,” Harrison’s blood contained a miraculous antibody, Anti-D, instrumental in the creation of a crucial medication for expecting mothers that could potentially jeopardize their unborn children’s health.

His family confirmed he died peacefully on February 17, with a legacy of saving over 2 million lives through his selfless contributions. Harrison’s journey to becoming a revered donor began at 14, after he received blood transfusions himself during a critical surgery. He started his plasma donations at 18 and continued this life-affirming practice every two weeks until he turned 81. In 2005, his remarkable record for most plasma donations made him an international symbol of altruism—a title he retained until recently.

His daughter, Tracey Mellowship, recounted her father's pride in knowing that his donations played a role in preventing suffering for many families. "He always expressed that it was painless and that the life saved could very well be your own," she reminisced.

The Anti-D jabs, derived from his plasma, are vital in protecting unborn babies from a dangerous blood condition known as haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN). Historically, HDFN was nearly fatal for half of the diagnosed infants before the development of Anti-D interventions in the 1960s.

Though the origins of Harrison's unique antibody-rich blood are somewhat mysterious, it has been speculated that the extensive transfusions he received may have contributed to its rarity. Currently, less than 200 anti-D donors exist in Australia, providing life-saving support to around 45,000 families each year.

In an ambitious project, Lifeblood, the Australian Red Cross Blood Service, is collaborating with the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research to replicate Harrison's antibodies in the lab for broader application. Their research director, David Irving, described the endeavor as a "holy grail," emphasizing the ongoing need for consistent donors capable of producing high-quality antibodies. As Australia mourns the loss of a hero, Harrison's contributions to blood donation and healthcare will remain influential, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps.