Touching photo of teacher's unique last wish before cancer death

A teacher’s inspiring last wish has moved thousands of people after a picture was shared online showing the chapel filled with backpacks.

Tammy Waddell, from Forsyth County in the US state of Georgia, who died from cancer earlier in June, asked people to bring bags containing supplies for disadvantaged students to her funeral rather than flowers, 11 Alive reports.

An image shared on Twitter by her cousin Dr Brad Johnson shows numerous backpacks placed alongside church pews and at the altar.

Dr Johnson described his cousin as a “teacher to the end”.

The woman’s cousin shared a second image showing teachers lined up with bags.

He said some of the educators who taught with her through the years acted as honorary pallbearers.

“She had about 100 teachers as honorary pallbearers who carried the backpacks out and back to their schools. It was heartwarming,” Dr Johnson wrote.

Many people said they have been inspired by the woman’s last wishes.

A reading teacher responded to his post, “I am revising my final requests to include this.”

“What a wonderful tribute, gift, and legacy! Your cousin must have been a wonderful person,” said another Twitter user.