Help wargaming icon Paul Sawyer as he battles cancer and give back to the man who helped shape the world of tabletop gaming on GoFundMe.
Paul Sawyer: A Wargaming Icon in Need – How You Can Help
On April 13th, 2024, the wargaming community received a harsh reality check. Paul Sawyer, a towering figure in the world of tabletop wargaming, fell critically ill while at Salute Gaming Convention. Initially suspected to have suffered a stroke, Paul was placed in an induced coma, his family rushing to be by his side. But in May, the real blow came: stage 4 Glioblastoma. It’s as grim as it sounds—one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer, giving Paul just 12-14 months from the diagnosis.
Since the news broke, the wargaming world has rallied in heartwarming fashion. There’s no doubt that Paul’s influence runs deep—across armies, paint pots, and countless dice rolls. His family is now focused on making his remaining time as joyous and fulfilling as possible, a mission they can’t complete alone. They’ve set up a GoFundMe to assist in covering disability aids and home adaptations to help Paul maintain his independence as long as possible.
Here’s why Paul’s legacy matters and why helping him now is more than just a charitable act—it’s paying homage to a legend.
A Life Built on Miniatures and Lore
If you’ve been a part of the tabletop wargaming scene at any point in the last two decades, chances are you’ve felt the Paul Sawyer Effect. Whether you realize it or not, his influence has shaped the way you approach the hobby today.
Paul’s work on White Dwarf—Games Workshop’s iconic magazine—hooked countless young hobbyists back in the day. Many of us remember his famed White Scars army and his standout role in the “Tale of Four Gamers,” a series that redefined what it meant to build and play armies for Warhammer. If you’ve ever spent more money on plastic models than you care to admit, there’s a solid chance Paul had something to do with it.
John Stallard, a co-founder of Warlord Games and a close colleague of Paul, put it best: “Paul is a legend of the wargaming industry and a truly excellent human being.” And anyone who’s attended a Warhammer tournament read White Dwarf with a cup of tea in hand or spent a weekend painting that one miniature with absurdly intricate details would agree.
How You Can Help
The response to Paul’s diagnosis has been immense. People from across the globe have reached out, asking how they can support Paul and his family during this unimaginably tough time. While NHS assistance is limited, you can step in by donating or simply sharing the fundraiser to spread the word. Whether you have fond memories of Paul’s White Dwarf era or just respect the massive role he’s played in expanding wargaming’s reach, this is the perfect moment to give back.
Even if you can’t contribute financially, sharing the GoFundMe link or adding your favorite Paul Sawyer memory to the growing online conversations helps keep the momentum going. We all know the algorithm loves engagement, so it’s as simple as dropping a comment and letting it snowball from there. Warlord Games has also made a charity figure to represent him on the tabletop, and you can grab yours below!
Sergeant Sawyer Charity Figure: $16
This special model pays homage to the legendary Paul Sawyer, one of Warlord Games’ beloved co-founders. Unfortunately, Paul had to step back from the company due to a serious illness, but what better way to celebrate his incredible contributions and love for the hobby than with a miniature in his honor? Meet Sergeant Sawyer—decked out in British Airborne gear, a nod to Paul’s years of painting countless Red Devils. Without him, Warlord Games wouldn’t be what it is today, and our lives would definitely be duller.
As a fitting tribute to Paul’s legacy, all proceeds from this figure will go to The Brain Tumour Charity, a cause close to his heart. Sergeant Sawyer is ready to lead the charge on another daring mission, always armed with sharp advice, plenty of firepower, and, of course, a cheeky joke or two. This is a must-have model for any collection, complete with Paul’s signature grin!
Includes one metal miniature with a 25mm plastic base—perfect for any tabletop hero.
What Paul Means to the Wargaming Community
If you’ve ever built an army, rolled for initiative, or discussed the merits of an old White Dwarf issue, you’re part of a community that owes much to Paul Sawyer. He’s more than just a figurehead; Paul was instrumental in transforming a niche hobby into a cultural phenomenon. In fact, some might argue that without his editorial touch, the golden age of Games Workshop might not have shined so brightly.
From his innovative ideas at Warlord Games to his championing of new ways to engage hobbyists, Paul’s impact stretches far and wide. Some even say that his work made a whole generation of wargamers more creative and bold, both in strategy and in miniature painting.
Paul Sawyer’s Lasting Legacy
Wargaming legends don’t come around often, but when they do, their influence is felt for years to come. Whether it’s nostalgic tales of building a first army or fond recollections of Paul’s signature White Scars tactics, we all may have a Sawyer story to tell. Now, in Paul’s hour of need, it’s our turn to show him the love he’s given this community for so long.
Click Here to Support the Paul Sawyer GoFundMe!
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
