Australia Bids Farewell to 'The Man with the Golden Arm' Who Saved 2.4 Million Babies

australia - After 60 years and over 1,170 donations, Australia's blood donor age limit forced Harrison to retire in 2018.

Legendary Blood Donor

Australia says goodbye to James Harrison, known as 'the man with the golden arm', whose rare blood saved millions of babies. Despite his fear of needles, Harrison made over 1,170 donations since 1954, contributing to the discovery of Anti-RhD immunoglobulin that helped prevent RhD hemolytic disease in newborns.

Harrison's unique blood, a result of a childhood surgery, contained life-saving antibodies. His contributions have impacted around 2.4 million lives, including his own grandson's. Doctors believe his selflessness was inspired by a major operation he underwent as a teenager, which led to the identification of the antibody in his blood.