At the age of 88, a life-saving blood donor who assisted almost two million babies died

The well-known Australian blood donor James Harrison, who is said to have saved more than two million infants, died at the age of 88. Harrison, who is well-known as the “Man with the Golden Arm,” had an uncommon and essential antibody in his plasma called Anti-D.

According to Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, which acknowledged his passing in a statement posted on Saturday, he gave blood more than 1,100 times over his lifetime, CNN said.

His personal experience—needing numerous blood transfusions after lung surgery at the age of 14—inspired his remarkable dedication to blood donation. He started giving plasma every two weeks until he reached 81, which is Australia’s maximum donation age, since he was determined to give back.

Harrison’s lifelong commitment was commended by Lifeblood CEO Stephen Cornelissen, who described his services as priceless for innumerable families.

He “never missed a single appointment” and “asked for nothing in return,” according to the agency. Australian law states that blood donors are not compensated financially.

In a statement obtained by NPR, Lifeblood CEO Stephen Cornelissen stated, “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.” Anti-D injections are necessary for 17% of pregnant women in Australia, according to Lifeblood, and the bulk of the country’s supply comes from a small group of less than 200 regular plasma donors.

Harrison told National Public Radio in 2015, “Some people say, ‘Oh, you’re a hero.'” However, I’m giving blood in a secure room. They provide me with a snack and a cup of coffee. After that, I simply go. No trouble, no adversity.