(CNN) — James Harrison, a prolific Australian blood donor famed for having saved the lives of more than two million babies, has died at age 88.
Harrison, whose plasma contained a “rare and precious antibody” known as Anti-D, donated blood more than 1,100 times, according to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, which confirmed his death in a statement published Saturday.
Harrison, who was known as the “Man with the Golden Arm,” died in his sleep at a nursing home north of Sydney on February 17, according to the statement.
Harrison’s altruistic mission was driven by having received multiple blood transfusions following lung surgery at the age of 14.
He started donating plasma at 18 and did so every two weeks until he was 81, the upper age limit for blood donation in Australia.
“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.”
Lifeblood Chief Executive Officer Stephen Cornelissen hailed Harrison’s dedication.
“James was a remarkable, stoically kind, and generous person who was committed to a lifetime of giving and he captured the hearts of many people around the world,” Cornelissen said in the statement.
“James extended his arm to help others and babies he would never know a remarkable 1173 times and expected nothing in return” …
