Suspected mushroom poisoning victim improves as locals offer help

A Victorian pastor is in a critical but stable condition almost two weeks after the suspected mushroom poisoning that claimed the life of his wife and two friends.

Reverend Ian Wilkinson's family said the 68-year-old remained in Austin Hospital in Melbourne on Sunday afternoon as members of his rural community made extraordinary offers to help.

The pastor was one of four people who fell ill after eating a July 29 lunch police believe contained death cap mushrooms at Leongatha in Gippsland, an hour from Melbourne.

Erin Patterson, 48, hosted the meal for her former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, as well as Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, and her husband, Ian.

Heather, Gail and Don all died in the following week and Ian was left fighting for life.

Erin, who did not get sick following the lunch, has has been questioned by detectives from the homicide squad and released without charge by detectives from the homicide squad.

Ian's family on Sunday said they continued to pray for his recovery.

"We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Austin Hospital for their unwavering care and support during this challenging time," they said, in a statement.

"The expertise, dedication, and compassion of the medical team have been a beacon of hope for us.

"Furthermore, we are deeply moved by the outpouring of kindness, prayers, and support from friends, family, and the broader community.

"Your thoughts and well-wishes have been a source of strength and comfort to us all."

The plight of the pastor at the Korumburra Baptist Church, has moved the Leongatha community.

South Gippsland Council said on Sunday people had been phoning to see if Ian needed anything, from moral support through to organs for the transplant.

Yesterday new photos of the victims were shared after their families gave permission.

The incident has focused attention on the dangers of the mushrooms known as "death caps", with medical expert Dr Nick Coatsworth telling Today that eating even half of one can lead to a slow and painful death.

"I'm not one for over exaggeration, but these are seriously dangerous things," he said.

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