Former Corrie star saddles up for Posturite's record-breaking Pedal for Stroke

Sussex-based ergonomics specialist Posturite is welcoming award-winning actor Emrhys Cooper to its cycling team for the 2026 Posturite Pedal for Stroke in aid of the Stroke Association on Thursday 11 June.

Emryhs – who played the sinister cult leader Rowan Cunliffe in Coronation Street – joins a 33-strong team riding from London to the company’s head office in Berwick, near Polegate.

It will take the total raised by Posturite for the charity during the last four years to over £150,000.

Emrhys, whose other acting credits include Desperate Housewives, Mamma Mia and Person of Interest, became one of the Stroke Association's high-profile ambassadors after his mother had a devastating stroke in 2020 and now lives in a care home.

The Posturite Pedal for Stroke is one of six endurance events he is taking part in this year to raise funds for the Stroke Association, including the London Marathon and Ironman Portugal.

Emrhys, who lives in Icklesham, said: “I got sober nearly two years ago, and my mother’s stroke was a significant wake-up call for me. Since then, health, fitness, and discipline have become a central part of my recovery and daily life. Just as importantly, recovery has brought a real shift in perspective for me — less focus on myself, and much more on connection, service, and showing up for others.

“My grandmother also passed away from a stroke, so this is a deeply personal cause, one I feel honoured to give my full focus to.”

Pedal for Stroke is the annual highlight of Posturite’s programme of fundraising and stroke awareness activities for the Stroke Association.

Starting at the iconic cycling venue Herne Hill Velodrome, the pedallers will finish 65 miles later, welcomed by staff at Posturite’s head office, eight hours later.

Posturite, the global supplier of workplace wellbeing services and ergonomic equipment, feel passionately about supporting the Stroke Association.

Posturite Managing Director and cycling enthusiast Chris Jones said: “The Stroke Association is the UK's leading stroke support charity, and we chose this cause in 2023 because we were impressed by their dedication to providing people with specialist support after stroke.

“There are 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK. It’s essential that we help to fund support as well as pioneering stroke research which will save lives and help stroke survivors make the best possible recovery. Posturite raising £150,000 in just four years is a massive milestone.”

The Posturite Pedal for Stroke team is made up of 33 intrepid cyclists, varying in age from their twenties to their sixties. Posturite staff are an active bunch known for amazing sporting feats, in fact 21 per cent of the Posturite workforce has a degree in sport science. Yet this challenge attracts all abilities.

They are delighted this year to welcome many business partner cyclists including Dragon’s Den alumni Dhruvin Patel from Ocushield, and Natalie Creswick, ex-professional cyclist and GB age group triathlete who is now the Southeast Locality Engagement Officer for the Stroke Association.

Harvey Kempton, Head of Key Accounts for workplace furniture innovators Flokk, is taking on this year’s challenge but hoping for a cooler day than he experienced in Pedal for Stroke 2025. He says: “It’s a pleasure to be involved. The Stroke Association is an amazing charity and close to my heart. I probably should have trained a bit more – quite a bit more! – but I’ll stay at the back to make sure everyone makes it.”

Julia Simpson, Corporate Partnerships Manager at the Stroke Association, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Posturite and everyone who is supporting their Posturite Pedal for Stroke which is now in its fourth fantastic year. Posturite continues to have unwavering commitment to the Stroke Association, both in their fundraising for us and raising vital awareness of stroke.”

Donate here: https://justgiving.com/campaign/posturitepedalforstroke2026