Deadly mushroom lunch survivor delivers sermon six months after alleged attempted murder

The sole survivor of a family lunch that killed three people, including his wife of four decades, has spoken out, revealing why it has been a “big week”.

A man who survived a deadly mushroom lunch in regional Victoria has spoken for the first time during a sermon delivered to his church.

Pastor Ian Wilkinson, 70, was left fighting for life after eating a beef wellington at Erin Patterson’s home in Leongatha on July 29, 2023.

His wife Heather, 66, and his brother and sister-in-law Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, died in the hospital a few days after the lunch after suffering severe poisoning symptoms consistent with death cap mushroom poisoning.

Ms Patterson has been charged with three counts of murder and five of attempted murder after inviting her ex-husband’s family over to her home for lunch and allegedly serving them the poisoned dish.

Pastor Ian Wilkinson speaking at Korumburra Baptist Church for the first time since the alleged death cap mushroom poisoning. Picture: Supplied

On Sunday, Mr Wilkinson returned to the Korumburra Baptist Church on Sunday for the first time since the alleged poisoning more than six months ago, saying it had been a “big week” full of milestones for him.

“At the start of the week it was six months since Heather and Gail and Don went to be with the Lord …” he told the congregation.

“Friday was my birthday and yesterday was our 45th wedding anniversary.

“So it’s been a pretty big week but I am grateful for all that God has given me, God has done through me.”

Ian Wilkinson with his wife Heather Wilkinson. She died in hospital after the lunch. Picture: Supplied (Facebook)

The week prior marked 25 years since he first took on the role of pastor of the Korumburra parish, with the parishioners offering him a small gift following the sermon.

The crowd erupted into laughter when Mr Wilkinson joked that his sermon series was “dramatically cut short” last year in the middle of first book of the Bible.

“Does anybody remember our series on Genesis that we began last year?” he said.

“Has anybody got any vague memories of that?”

Erin Patterson invited her family over for the mushroom lunch. Picture: Brooke Grebert-Craig.

At times, Mr Wilkinson appeared overcome with emotion during his sermon, clearly grateful to be back after a terrifying two-month stint in the hospital while he fought for life.

“The ways are sometimes hard but God is good. He’s with us,” he said.

“He promised to never leave … and I can say, that is true.”

Erin Patterson remains behind bars on remand while awaiting her next court appearance in May. She denies any wrongdoing.