Paul Walter Hauser has vowed to raise money for James Van Der Beek

Paul wrote on Instagram: "James Van Der Beek started selling his old stuff from his past acting jobs to pay for his colorectal cancer treatments, and it didn't sit well with me.

"I am an actor and father of 3 children, and I want them inheriting my trinkets/wardrobe/memorabilia someday.

"I wouldn't want to auction off a Stingray shirt or Marvel script to make ends meet for treatment.

"Please repost this and spread the love by spreading the word.

"I am trying to raise 20k by March 1st, through recorded Cameo videos, and then I plan to do an auction of celebrity friends' personal items and autographs (Josh Gad, Becky Lynch, Jimmy Kimmel, and many many more-) to continue our support of a fellow actor, father and husband who has rolled a painful pair of dice these last couple years."

The Cruella actor - who has Harris, four, Jonah, two, and six-month-old Isla with wife Amy Boland Hauser - urged trolls not to criticise his kind gesture because he has done a lot for other good causes.

He continued: "Before the Internet trolls wipe their saliva and attack their keyboards to question why I chose to raise money for this, and not something they deem worthy of time/efforts/funding, know that I've done stand up comedy for Relay for Life's Cancer Charity Walk, I've donated my own earnings to organizations like Smile Train and Neighborly, and recently helped raise over $100,000 for ServeLA through my appearance on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.

"Just arming myself with facts and receipts at the ready.

"I've always liked James Van Der Beek and he seems like a really good dude. Let's help him out in this difficult moment. Prayers Up 4 The Beek!(sic)"

James revealed last November he was auctioning off Dawson's Creek and Varsity Blues props to raise money to help with his cancer fight.

He told People magazine at the time: "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."