James Harrison

James Harrison (1936–2025) was an Australian blood donor and philanthropist known as the “Man with the Golden Arm.” His plasma donations were used to make a treatment that helped protect unborn babies from rhesus disease, and his donations were credited with helping save millions of infants.

James Harrison (1936–2025) was an Australian blood donor known as the “Man with the Golden Arm.” His plasma donations helped prevent rhesus disease and saved millions of babies.

Who James Harrison was

James Harrison was born on 27 December 1936 in Junee, New South Wales. He became a regular blood and plasma donor, giving for about 60 years. His blood contained a rare antibody used to create a treatment for rhesus disease, which can harm unborn babies.

Why his blood donations mattered

Harrison’s plasma donations were used to produce anti-D immunoglobulin, a treatment that protects pregnant women from developing antibodies that could attack their baby’s blood. His donations helped save the babies of more than 2 million Australian women, according to Lifeblood.

Key details about his record

Harrison donated more than 1,100 times, with Lifeblood recording 1,173 donations total. He made his final donation on 11 May 2018. He was widely nicknamed the “Man with the Golden Arm” and died in his sleep on 17 February 2025 at age 88.