Leongatha mushroom poisoning victim Ian Wilkinson’s release from hospital described as ‘miracle’
The ex-husband of the woman who cooked the deadly mushroom lunch was sitting in the front row at church when attendees were told of the lone survivor’s ‘miracle’ update.
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The stunning recovery by the sole survivor of the deadly mushroom lunch has been called a “miracle” by his close-knit community, as churchgoers on Sunday said they were praying the “truth will come out” about the mysterious poisoning.
Ian Wilkinson, the pastor of the Korumburra Baptist Church and a victim of the beef wellington lunch, was discharged from hospital last week.
Simon Patterson – the former husband of Erin, who cooked the deadly dish on July 29 that claimed three lives – attended the church on Sunday where the congregation was told of Mr Wilkinson’s recovery.
Mr Patterson sat in the front row, operating a slide projector.
Mr Wilkinson, 68, was recovering at his home nearby after being discharged from the Austin Hospital on Friday.
The congregation was told it was a “miracle in itself” that he was recovering.
About 40 people were in the small church in South Gippsland to hear the news of Mr Wilkinson’s release.
The pastor holding the service in Mr Wilkinson’s absence told the congregation: “Most people have got the newsletter overnight with the news that Ian is back in Korumburra. He’s left hospital, that’s a miracle in itself.”
Church attendee Trevor Shaw said the town was grateful for Ian’s recovery but longed for the “truth” to be revealed.
“It took great joy to us as a fellowship and those who loved him that he is back home,” he said outside the church on Sunday.
“Everyone in this community and even the outskirts have felt and been praying seriously on their knees for his recovery.
“And those prayers have been answered, he’s home.
“It’s still in progress, but what a wonderful thing.”
Mr Shaw said the people of Korumburra were seeking closure as they waited for the police investigation to conclude.
“I imagine he is still suffering the loss of his wife, for one thing, and they were married for a long time and they were very, very close,” Mr Shaw said.
“All of them have been praying earnestly for Ian’s recovery and that the truth will come out.
“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.
“Until there’s closure, then the heartache goes on at the loss of Don, Gail and Heather.”
Erin Patterson’s parents-in-law Gail and Don Patterson, both 70, and Mr Wilkinson’s wife Heather, 66, died in hospital after eating the meal.
Mr Wilkinson’s family said in a statement at the weekend that he had made “significant progress” and was able to be discharged on Friday.
“The Wilkinson family will continue to cherish the support and goodwill of the community as they focus on Ian’s wellbeing and path ahead,” the statement read.
“The family is profoundly grateful for the outpouring of support, prayers and well-wishes from the Korumburra community, church, friends, family and colleagues.”
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