James Van Der Beek is auctioning off Dawson's Creek and Varsity Blues props to help with the financial burden of his cancer battle

He told PEOPLE magazine: "I've been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it's clear that the time is now.

"While I have some nostalgia tugging at me as I part with these items, it feels good to be able to offer them through Propstore's auction to share with those who have supported my work over the years."

The items from James' personal collection will be available next month in Propstore's Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction from December 5 to 7.

Many of the items are being made public for the first time, with wardrobe, props and set pieces from the actor's career.

One major piece of TV history being offered is the necklace Dawson gave Joey for prom in Dawson's Creek, which is estimated to fetch between $26,400 and $52,800.

The collection includes items from throughout the series - which ran from 1998 to 2003 - including James' pilot episode costume, which could bring in almost $4,000.

There are also items from 1999 movie Varsity Blues, including his film-worn West Canaan Coyotes Hat, and cleats.

Anyone interested in bidding for pieces of the collection can register now ahead of live in-room bidding in London on December 6, while global bidding will be available until the end of play on December 7.

In September, James made a surprise appearance during a Dawson's Creek reunion, having had to drop out due to suffering from "two stomach viruses".

However, he shocked fans on the night at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City on Monday (22.09.25) when he made a virtual appearance at the event in support of the F Cancer charity.

In a pre-recorded video, which was projected onto the stage, he said: "I have been looking forward to this night for months and months ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together.

"I can't believe I'm not there. I can't believe I don't get to see my cast mates, my beautiful cast in person.

"And just I want to stand on that stage and thank every single person in the theatre for being here tonight. From the cast to the crew to everybody who's doing anything and has been so generous, and especially every single last one of you - you are the best fans in the world.

"Thank you for coming. It's just absolutely humbling just how much you did for this night, and I just want to say thank you. Thank you to every single person here."