Coconut and raspberry cake

In June 1982, Terry collapsed while working as a DJ at Heaven nightclub. He was taken to St Thomas’ Hospital and admitted to the isolation unit, where he was diagnosed with parasitic pneumonia – later known as an AIDS-defining illness.

Whilst in hospital, Terry asked his visiting cousin Lynne to bake him a coconut and raspberry cake and bring it on her next visit.

Although everyone expected him to make a full recovery, Terry died suddenly on Sunday 4 July 1982, just 37 years old. This was before Lynne could visit again. That cake never got baked.

Bake the cake Terry wanted but never received

Bake a coconut and raspberry cake in memory of Terry, and all those taken to early by AIDS and untreated HIV.

Why not hold an office or community bake sale and fundraise to support our work at Terrence Higgins Trust.

Coconut and raspberry cake recipe

Serves: 8–10
Oven: 180°C (160°C fan) / Gas mark 4

Ingredients

  • 200g self‑raising flour
  • 200g caster sugar
  • 200g unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 eggs
  • 100g desiccated coconut
  • 150g raspberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional topping

  • Butter cream plus fresh raspberries and desiccated coconut
  • Icing sugar, for dusting

Method

  1. Heat the oven to 180°C and line a 20cm round cake tin.
  2. Mix everything except the raspberries in a large bowl until smooth. You can use a wooden spoon or an electric mixer.
  3. Gently fold in the raspberries, being careful not to crush them.
  4. Spoon the mixture into the cake tin and smooth the top.
  5. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden and a skewer comes out clean.
  6. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

To finish

Dust with icing sugar or sprinkle with a little extra coconut.

A quick guide to holding an office or community bake sale

Holding a bake sale at work is a great (and tasty) way to raise money and bring people together and to support our Do It For Terry campaign. 

1. Pick a date and place

  • Choose a day when people are likely to be in the office.
  • A kitchen, breakout space, or reception area usually works well.
  • Check with your manager or office team if you need permission.

2. Spread the word

  • Let colleagues know the date, time, and you're supporting our work at Terrence Higgins Trust.
  • Use email, noticeboards, or your work calendar.
  • Remind people a day or two before to bake or come to the office hungry!

3. Get baking (or buying)

  • You can bake at home or buy shop‑bought treats – both are great.
  • Clearly label ingredients, especially common allergens.
  • Encourage a mix of cakes so there’s something for everyone.

4. Set prices and take payments

  • Keep prices simple 
  • If possible, use a JustGiving fundraising page for donations
  • Encourage people to give an extra donation if they can.

5. Add a fundraising boost

  • Share why Terrence Higgins Trust and our work matters to you.
  • Take photos (with permission) and share them internally or on social media. Tag us on Instagram at @thtchampions and @terrencehigginstrust 

6. Say thank you

  • Thank everyone who baked, donated, or helped out.
  • Let people know how much was raised.

Start fundraising today 

Set up you JustGiving fundraising page today! Fundraising on JustGiving is quick and easy and all donations will come directly to us at Terrence Higgins Trust. 

Fundraising materials 

Tell us about your bake sale and order your Terrence Higgins Trust stickers, printable bunting, a Terrence Higgins Trust t-shirt and cash collection tin.