The local mum, who wishes to remain anonymous, says she was driving past Whakatane Paper Plus and thought she’d pop in and buy the X Factor ticket after watching Friday’s X Factor USA show on TV3.
“I went to visit a couple of friends and a few hours later got home and decided to scratch the ticket,” says the winner.
“When I saw the $50,000 I just couldn’t believe it – I think I went into shock,” she laughs.
“This is how poor I am, I didn’t have enough gas in my car to drive back to the same Lotto shop so I had to walk to the nearest one,” she laughs.
“I had a friend’s party to go to later that night and when my brother came to babysit he asked how my day was and I said, ‘Well the baby has had her bath and a bottle and I won 50 grand today,’” she laughs.
“He gave me a big hug and was stoked for me,” she says.
The winner plans to use her winnings for a new home and will share some money with her family.
There are four Top Prizes of $50,000 remaining on the X Factor ticket. X Factor USA, sponsored by Instant Kiwi, screens on Thursday and Friday at 7.30pm on TV3.
