A leading land broker who spent 19 months using a wheelchair after two major strokes is facing a new health battle: aggressive cancer affecting his stomach and oesophagus.
Adrian Overington, founder of Overland Acquisitions, is beginning chemotherapy while continuing to lead the business he established during his recovery. On the days he feels able to work, he is still bringing landowners and housebuilders together and agreeing deals.
He said: “The cancer diagnosis was hard to hear. Right now, I’m taking treatment one day at a time. On the days I can work, I still get a real kick out of picking up the phone, getting people around the table and finding a way to make a deal happen.”
Overington survived two major strokes in November 2020. During the long recovery that followed, he founded his independent land consultancy, building relationships with landowners and housebuilders across the Home Counties.
He continued: “After the strokes, there was a time when getting back on my feet was the only thing I could think about.”
He has since personally brokered 36 sites. Now, as he begins cancer treatment, he has agreed three further land deals across Surrey and West Sussex, covering sites with scope for approximately 740 homes.
The transactions include a site with planning permission for 39 homes in Send, Surrey, and two option agreements on land with potential for around 400 homes in Haywards Heath and around 300 homes in West Surrey. The larger sites’ housing figures represent potential development rather than existing planning permissions.
Overington is receiving chemotherapy as part of a treatment plan with curative intent and continues to work directly with clients during treatment.
Alongside his work, he has set himself a fundraising challenge: walking the equivalent of the London Marathon over 28 days to raise money for cancer research. For someone who spent 19 months using a wheelchair, the challenge carries particular personal significance.
Donations can be made through Go Fund Me.
