“When I told (my family) some of the jobs I was going to, they were shocked,” Lewis said.

“When you actually see what we’re doing, it’s awful, honestly, it’s awful.

“You understand you’re going to be exposed to these things, but the public doesn’t know how bad it can be. It really messes with your mind.”

Lewis, who lives in Clacton-on-Sea, said he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of his work.

He tried to take his own life two years ago.

“I could have been one of the statistics,” said Lewis, who is in his thirties.

“I’m still so young and yet I’ve been through so much. I became this person that no one wants to be around.”