UK Edition
A former addict has allowed himself to be buried alive for three days to raise awareness for those suffering from addiction and depression.
He will be speaking "from the grave" by live streaming his thoughts and feelings while he is in the ground.
John Edwards put on a brave face as he was locked in a casket and had dirt dumped on top of him, kissing goodbye to his wife before he prepared to spend three days in the ground.
He is going through the ordeal for the charity Walking Free.
His coffin is in the grounds of the Willowfield Parish Church in the east of Belfast.
He told Belfast Live: “I’m a former addict and I’ve been clean and sober for 25 years.
“I’m making a very large coffin, I’m burying it in East Belfast and I’m going to live in it for three days.”
“I know this is a radical move but people are continually contacting me who are either suicidal or who know friends or family who are,” continued.
“My plan is to speak to them from the grave before they get there and show them hope.”
The committed Christian has performed this stunt before, and found it raised awareness across the country.
He plans to take calls, emails, Skype and texts from people around the world, to speak about depression and addiction.
The whole experience will be streamed on Facebook Live and the Walking Free website.
The former addict has been in the coffin for a night already, and has posted some video updates on his Facebook page.
Speaking to Belfast Live, local rector David McClay added “John is going into the coffin on Ash Wednesday which marks the start of Lent. The season of Lent is one when Christians talk about dying to ourselves.
“But the message from the grave is one of hope – hope for those who are struggling with addictions, hope for those who feel life is hopeless, and hope of life that is eternal."