Mushroom poisoning victim Ian Wilkinson continues to improve after release from hospital
Ian Wilkinson, the sole survivor of the deadly mushroom meal, is continuing to improve eight weeks after he was poisoned at a family lunch while the community prepares to bid farewell to his wife.
Victoria
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The “miracle” recovery of the sole survivor of the deadly mushroom meal is continuing eight weeks after he was poisoned at a family lunch.
Ian Wilkinson, 68, was left fighting for life after eating a beef wellington dish in Leongatha on July 29.
The Korumburra Baptist Church pastor was released from hospital two weeks ago and continues to rest and recover at home.
About 30 people gathered at the South Gippsland church to pray for him on Sunday.
“He’s doing OK, that’s all we really know at the moment,” a churchgoer told the Herald Sun.
“He’s certainly improving.”
Just last week, church attendee Trevor Shaw said the town longed for the “truth” to be revealed.
“All of them have been praying earnestly for Ian’s recovery and that the truth will come out,” he said.
“That’s the main thing. That the truth will come out, and then we’ll all be able to, in a sense, relax because then there’ll be some closure.”
Unlike last week, Simon Patterson — the former husband of Erin Patterson, the woman who cooked the mushroom meal -— did not appear at the church service.
It comes as the community will honour Mr Wilkinson’s wife, Heather Wilkinson, at a public memorial on Wednesday.
It’s believed the memorial was delayed to allow her husband to attend.
In a tribute published online, family said Ms Wilkinson’s life was “well lived”.
“Beloved wife, daughter, sister, mum, favourite mother-in-law, grandma, and friend to many,” it read.
“Hers was a life well lived, and we love her. Dearly missed until we meet again. At home with her Lord Jesus.”
Ms Wilkinson, her sister Gail Patterson and brother-in-law Don Patterson died after eating the beef wellington at the lunch.
Victoria Police said their deaths were being treated as “unexplained” with the investigation still ongoing.
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