Sole mushroom lunch survivor breaks silence

More than six months after almost dying after eating a beef wellington meal Pastor Ian Wilkinson has told the congregation at his Baptist Church that ‘God is good’.

Pastor Ian Wilkinson speaking at Korumburra Baptist Church on February 11.

The only survivor of a deadly lunch in which three people died of suspected mushroom poisoning has finally broken his silence.

The Herald Sun reports that pastor Ian Wilkinson, 70, returned to the Korumburra Baptist Church where he told the congregation last Sunday “the ways are sometimes hard but God is good. He’s with us.”

This comes more than six months after Mr Wilkinson almost died after eating a beef Wellington meal allegedly prepared by Erin Patterson.

Mr Wilkinson reportedly told his congregation it had been “a pretty big week”.

“At the start of the week, it was six months since Heather and Gail and Don went to be with the lord,” he said.

“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 and wife Heather Wilkinson. Picture: supplied.

The Herald Sun reports that Mr Wilkinson addressed the church in celebration of his 25 years as pastor, and that he drew laughter from the crowd when he referred to last year’s bible teaching series being “dramatically cut short … Does anybody remember our series on Genesis that we began last year?” he said.

“Has anybody got any vague memories of that?”

“It was dramatically cut short half way through Genesis chapter two.

“I am grateful for this wonderful congregation which God has brought together here,” Mr Wilkinson said.

Sole survivor of the deadly mushroom lunch, Pastor Ian Wilkinson, has broken his silence after fighting for his life for 6 months. Reporter @tdolling has more.

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“A pastor is nothing without the team, the family of God, without the partners in the gospel and you have been such wonderful partners and let me encourage you to keep on going,

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

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

Erin Patterson at her Leongatha home. Picture: Jason Edwards

The Herald Sun reports that multiple parishioners thanked Mr Wilkinson for his contribution.

“When Ian was approached to be our pastor, the church was quite small and had been through a hard time but this didn’t put Ian off … he was keen to follow God’s lead,” one woman said.

“The funds were tight and the manpower was very light on but we were led by Ian and Heather’s faith, trust and example.

“We are particularly thankful for Ian’s gift of servanthood, leadership, wisdom, thoughtfulness and wonderful teaching.”

Korumburra Baptist Church. Picture: David Crosling

Ms Patterson, 49, is currently in remand after being accused of killing Gail Patterson, 70, Don Patterson, 70, and Heather Wilkinson, 66, who each died from suspected poisoning from death cap mushrooms following a lunch on July 29, 2023.

Ms Patterson has not entered a plea on any of the charges, but she has previously vehemently denied the allegations.

Don and Gail Patterson were also remembered for “wonderful service … and the stability and understanding that they brought to our church and lives”.