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AAP
AAP
National
Rachael Ward

Memorial for third suspected mushroom poisoning victim

Family and friends of Heather Wilkinson have been invited to a celebration of her life. (PR HANDOUT IMAGE PHOTO)

A public memorial will be held for a third Victorian who died from suspected death cap mushroom poisoning, days after her husband left hospital.

Family and friends of Heather Wilkinson, 66, have been invited to a celebration of her life at the Korumburra Indoor Recreation Centre on October 4.

In lieu of flowers, organisers asked for donations to the Austin Hospital, where Ms Wilkinson was treated before her death, and a charity hospital in Niger said to have been a cause close to her heart.

Ms Wilkinson, her sister Gail Patterson and husband Don died in hospital after their daughter-in-law Erin Patterson cooked them beef wellington at her Leongatha home in Victoria's east on July 29.

Ian Wilkinson was also taken to hospital in a critical condition and on Friday was released after two months of treatment.

On Saturday his family said he had made "significant progress in his recovery".

"This milestone marks a moment of immense relief and gratitude for Ian and the entire Wilkinson family," they said in a statement.

Police believe the symptoms Mr Wilkinson and the other diners experienced were consistent with being poisoned by death cap mushrooms.

Erin 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 scrutiny.

In a statement to police, Erin Patterson said she made a beef wellington using button mushrooms from a major supermarket and dried mushrooms bought at an Asian grocery store.

The 46-year-old said she ate a serving and later suffered bad stomach pains and diarrhoea, contrary to the suggestion of detectives that she did not fall ill.

Victoria Police have not commented on Ms Patterson's statement other than to say it was not one taken by officers, nor have they provided any updates on their investigation.

Mr Wilkinson's family appealed for privacy as he "continues his journey towards full recovery".

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