THE Yes movement is about no one man or woman but about all of us pulling together in our communities across the nation to campaign for independence. There are times, however, when we can come together to help one of our best and brightest in his time of need.

Many of you will know that Paul Kavanagh, author of the Wee Ginger Dug blog and National columnist, suffered a severe stroke last week and is still receiving hospital treatment.

As he described in The National, this tireless campaigner for independence was struck down in a few minutes, but thankfully his mental faculties are intact so at some point soon he will return to The National to continue his work of destorying Unionist arguments with perspicacity and humour.

Paul is likely to be recuperating for many, many months and is currently completely paralysed down his left side – he’s nicknamed his left leg Michael Gove, because it’s useless and in the way of his independence.

READ MORE: National columnist Paul Kavanagh, the Wee Ginger Dug, suffers stroke

It will be some considerable time before it is even known how Paul’s health and wellbeing will be permanently affected, and he has had to face up to the fact that he will probably suffer some form of disability.

Paul is far from being a rich man, and lives in small flat at the top of a tenement in the east end of Glasgow. He needs to get ground floor accommodation and soon.

There’s another reason for that. Sadly we have to report that the Wee Ginger Dug himself is suffering from arthritis and needs human help to get up and down the stairs.

Paul always jokes that the Dug is more famous than himself and certainly has featured in more pictures taken at National Roadshows, Yes group meetings and the many rallies Paul has addressed.

The twice-weekly Yes DIY pages were given their name by Paul who famously said we are going to have to “do it yourselves” independence. Therefore we make no excuse for asking readers to support the crowdfunder which Paul started on Monday.

The description on the fundraiser reads: “I am doing this crowdfunder to raise money to put towards buying a wee cottage or a ground floor flat that can be adapted to my needs.

“I hope to raise £50,000 which is around what I would need after selling my wee Barlanark flat. It is a huge amount of money and I really don’t want to seem greedy or unreasonable. I am more grateful than you can possibly imagine for all the love and support, it has far lifted my battered spirits.”

Times are very tough, but the campaign for independence is continuing and will develop over months to come. Let’s help Paul Kavanagh to be in it.

To donate, search “Wee Ginger Rehab Fundraiser” on gofundme.com.