Image: Hannah Katz embarked on a 3000-kilometre walk along the length of New Zealand to raise money and awareness for the deaf. (PS)

Inspired by the work of the newly established Shepherd Centre in Hobart, and personal experiences of hearing loss, Hannah Katz, a Huon Valley real estate agent, took a career break to embark on a 3,000-kilometre walk along the length of New Zealand to raise money and awareness for deaf and hard of hearing children and their families.

“My personal journey with hearing loss and the hurdles it creates means I feel passionately that hearing loss shouldn’t lead a child to feel isolated or disadvantaged,” said Hannah.

“The Shepherd Centre does incredible work to support children and their families in navigating the challenges and hidden benefits of hearing loss.”

Hannah will begin this 86.3 kilometre section around June 17.

For more information on Hannah’s story, to donate and enter the competition, visit the-shepherd-centre-community-fundraiser.raisely.com/hannah-katz/