It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of the Founder and Chief Executive of Aesop, Tim Joss.

Tim died in a road accident as he was cycling on Wednesday.

He had launched Aesop – Arts enterprise with a social purpose – in July 2014. The charity has gone on to pioneer evidenced-based arts solutions to society’s problems, most notably with Dance to Health, a falls prevention programme for older people.

Chair of Aesop, Professor Kevin Fenton, who is Regional Director of Public Health for NHS London, said he, the other trustees and the staff, were devasted by the news.

He added: We are so very sorry to lose our wonderful colleague and friend Tim. It was a privilege to work closely with him to realise ambitions of Aesop over many years. We will deeply miss his advocacy, passion and commitment to creative health.”

Tim’s vision was of a future when arts solutions are valued and available for all that need them.

Tim’s widow, science writer and broadcaster Vivienne Parry, a former trustee of Aesop, said: “He was a pioneer, a leader and deeply proud of his team, board and dance artists, using evidenced arts interventions for health problems… We loved each other deeply. I am utterly bereft.”

As a mark of respect, Aesop’s staff will be on leave until Monday. For any urgent enquiries please email info@ae-sop.org