In the wake of deep tragedy, it would be easy to expect anger, blame, or bitterness. But in the courtroom this week, Ian Wilkinson’s words cut through in a way few expected.

After the death of his wife and three friends in the mushroom poisoning murders, Ian chose not to condemn Erin Patterson, but to speak with compassion. His statement wasn’t filled with rage. Instead, it carried the quiet strength of forgiveness.

“I encourage Erin to receive my offer of forgiveness for those harms done to me,” he said.
“I bear her no ill will.
“My prayer for her is she will use her time in jail wisely to become a better person.
“Now I am no longer Erin Patterson’s victim and she has become the victim of my kindness.”

Former Pastor and journalist, Dave Adamson, reflected on how rare and powerful it is to hear forgiveness in a moment where pain could so easily have spoken louder. He shared that it stopped him in his tracks, because forgiveness in the face of heartbreak is something we don’t often see, yet it holds the power to shift how we all think about grief, justice, and love.

Forgiveness does not erase grief, nor does it dismiss the wrong. But it does open a doorway, to healing, to hope, and to something bigger than ourselves.

Ian’s courage, echoed in Lucy and Kel’s reflections, is a reminder that even in the darkest places, light can still break through. And perhaps the invitation for all of us is this: to pause and reflect on where in our own lives we might choose forgiveness over bitterness, and hope over despair.

If you missed the chat Lucy & Kel had with Dave Adamson you can catch it here on the podcast.
Full interview here