Struggling mother of four wins record Powerball jackpot

A MOTHER of four has been struggling on her own without a job but a random lottery ticket purchase may have changed all that forever.

A 26-year-old mother of four in North Carolina, USA claims she has the winning powerball ticket to a whopping $242 million ($USD188 million).

Marie Holmes says that the numbers and date on the ticket matched those drawn for the $242 million payout.

“I thought I was going to have a heart attack when I saw the ticket and checked it,” she told television network WECT.

According to WECT, Holmes has had a tough run, having to quit her jobs at McDonalds and Walmart to look after her four children, one of whom suffers from Cerebral Palsy.

While she has yet to claim the prize, a reporter for the station has tweeted a photo of the winning ticket and everything looks in order for the life-changing collection.

NEW: A look at what appears to be winning #Powerball ticket sold in #nc! Worth $188 million! http://t.co/rsLrEKIDnX pic.twitter.com/2W40pzXfn0

— Jon Evans (@JonEvansWECT) February 12, 2015

Speaking to local media, she said it will alleviate her family’s situation.

“I’ve been struggling since I had them but I wouldn’t trade nothing because they’re a blessing,” she said.

“I don’t have to worry about the word struggle no more or neither do they ... I’m ready to embrace the change. I’m very grateful for what’s about to happen for my family.”

From unemployed to a $242 million dollar bank account.

The young mother said she doesn’t often buy lottery tickets, and only does so when she can afford to. Holmes has consulted with lawyers to claim her winnings and says she plans to take the kids away for a while.

“You never know what people are planning,” she said.

Ms. Holmes said she is going to put the money towards college education for her children saying, “I’m thankful that I can bless my kids with something that I didn’t have.”

“This is all for them, everything is all for them.”

There were two more winning tickets sold for the jackpot that was over $640 million (USD$500), however the other winners who purchased the tickets in Puerto Rico and Texas have yet to come forward.