World record for donating blood

A Umina man has been named world record holder for most blood donations.

Mr James Harrison became a blood donor a few days after his 18th birthday in 1955.

Since then he has donated regularly, recently attaining a world record of 804 donations.

Mr Harrison's achievement as the world record holder for "the most blood donated by one person" was recognised recently by the Guinness World Records.

He was inspired to become a regular blood donor after he received a life-saving blood transfusion at the age of 15.

His lifetime dedication to charitable work was recognised in 1999 when he was awarded an Order of Australia for his outstanding contribution to Australian Red Cross Blood Service and the Australian community.

As an avid caravaner, Mr Harrison and his wife travel throughout Australia.

When away from Umina, he always ensures he donates at every possible blood service along the way and has donated in Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.

Mr Harrison is now aiming to reach 1000 donations.

Woy Woy Red Cross Blood Service is located at Woy Woy Hospital and is open on Tuesdays from 2 to 7.30pm and Wednesday from 9am to 2.30pm.

Press release, July 7