Struggling mum of four wins $252m

Marie Holmes doesn't usually buy lottery tickets but this one is a winner.

A struggling 26-year-old mother of four in North Carolina has won the winning powerball ticket for US$188 million ($252 million).

"I thought I was going to have a heart attack when I saw the ticket and checked it," Marie Holmes told WECT.

According to the television network, Holmes has had a tough run, having to quit her jobs at McDonald's 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 seems to be in order for the life-changing collection.

Holmes said the win would alleviate her family's situation.

"I've been struggling since I had [the children] 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 and neither do they ... I'm ready to embrace the change.

"I'm very grateful for what's about to happen for my family."

Holmes said she did not often buy lottery tickets. She had consulted with lawyers to claim her winnings and planned to take the children away for a while.

She would put the money towards college education for her children, she said.

"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."

Two other winning tickets were sold for the jackpot that was more than US$500 million.

However the holders of the tickets, that were bought in Puerto Rico and Texas, have yet to come forward.