Fitness pioneer Rodney Cullum has died at the age of 67.

Cullum, a former chief executive of Central YMCA, passed away following a short illness.

A promising footballer in his youth, Cullum first joined Central YMCA in 1973 as Physical Education Director.

He was part of the team that founded Central YMCA Qualifications in 1997.

Current YMCA chief executive, Rosi Prescott, said: “Rodney made a unique contribution not only to Central YMCA but to the worldwide movement itself. He was an exceptional character – with vision and immense integrity. He will be remembered as a pivotal figure in the annals of our history and his impact will continue to shape our future direction.”

Robin Gargrave, Executive Director YMCA Fitness Industry Training, added: “In the early 80s when the practitioners and leaders of the embryonic fitness industry were hostile to the very notion of qualified fitness instructors, Rodney had the courage and foresight to invest in the development of the UK’s first exercise to music qualification. It is his lasting legacy that makes it unthinkable today for an employer to use an unqualified fitness instructor.“