Mushroom lunch: Powerful moment sole survivor Ian Wilkinson arrives at his wife’s memorial service

The sole survivor of a deadly mushroom lunch has arrived at his late wife’s memorial service for his first public appearance since falling ill.

Heather Wilkinson, 66, was one of four people who ate beef wellington at Erin Patterson’s Leongatha home in the state’s southeast on July 29.

Mrs Wilkinson died after lunch, as did her sister Gail Patterson and brother-in-law Don Patterson, both 70.

Mrs Wilkinson’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, 68, also became seriously ill after lunch and spent almost two months in hospital.

The Baptist church pastor returned home on September 22 and was seen using a walker when he arrived at the memorial on Wednesday.

Mrs Wilkinson, a mother of four and grandmother, will be remembered at a service at the Korumburra Indoor Recreation Center attended by dozens of family members, friends and parishioners.

Mrs Patterson’s ex-husband Simon Patterson was among the 300 people present at the service and was seen wearing his wedding ring as Mr Wilkinson sat at the front.

Mr Wilkinson’s son Dave choked back tears as he paid tribute to his mother.

He said Don and Gail Patterson, who were both killed at the same lunch, played important roles in her life, especially in supporting her strong Christian faith.

The couple had met Mrs Wilkinson in her home town of Hughesdale, where the friends all grew up.

It remains unknown whether Mr Wilkinson will address the congregation himself.

Ian Wilkinson is seen attending his wife Heather’s memorial service on Wednesday

Other tributes came via recorded messages from Mrs Wilkinson’s grandchildren.

One by one they spoke of a woman full of kindness, who was as skilled at making quilts and pillows as she was at baking.

The Wilkinsons were so close to the Patterson family that the couple traveled to Botswana to spend time with them on their honeymoon after their friends missed their wedding.

“Dad summed up her character best,” Dave said.

“She was special, not because she was better than anyone else, but because of her faith.

“She had the beauty of holiness.”

Ms Wilkinson’s family had previously thanked the Korumburra community, church, friends, family and colleagues for their support and prayers.

“This collective kindness has been a pillar of strength for Ian and the family, reinforcing the sense of unity and compassion that defines our community,” the statement said.

Mrs Patterson’s ex-husband, Simon Patterson, was one of 300 people at the service

Loved ones of Mrs Wilkinson arrive at the memorial service in Korumburra, Victoria, on Wednesday

Attendees were seen carrying baked goods to the memorial service on Wednesday

Mrs Wilkinson was farewelled at a memorial service on Wednesday. In the photo, lovers arrive

Police believe the symptoms the four guests experienced were consistent with death cap mushroom poisoning.

Mrs. Patterson is considered a suspect as she cooked the lunch that is believed to have led to the deaths.

She was interviewed by police and released without charge, but has since faced intense media attention.

Mrs Wilkinson died after lunch. Her husband Ian (pictured together) recently returned home after two months in hospital

In a statement to police, Ms Patterson said she had made a beef wellington using mushrooms from a large supermarket and dried mushrooms bought from an Asian supermarket.

The 46-year-old said she ate a portion and later developed severe stomach pain and diarrhea, contrary to detectives’ suggestions that she did not become ill.

Victoria Police have made no comment on Ms Patterson’s statement, other than to say it was not taken by officers, nor have they provided any updates on their investigation.

In a statement to police, Ms Patterson said she had made a beef wellington using mushrooms from a large supermarket and dried mushrooms bought from an Asian supermarket.