Clarke, 28, from Queens is very thankful for his mothers advice after winning $5 million with New York Lottery scratch-off tickets. Clarke's mother, Andrea gave him $50 on December the 19th so the next day when he was on his way to Brooklyn for his birthday celebrations with his girlfriend, he stopped off at the Friendly Deli & Grocery in Brownsville to purchased two "Set for Life" scratch-offs for $10. However he didn't expect much, it was only when he was back at his girlfriend's apartment that he saw the word "Life" under the number 16 match! Clarke says he remember screaming "Whoo-whoo-whoo" and dancing and laughing around the house. The first person he called was of course his mother Andrea, 52, who had 6 missed calls by the time she checked her phone, stating: "I was really happy. I couldn't believe it.". Clarke has opted to receive his winnings as a one-off lump sum of $2,453,693, but he has no plans to quit his day job, saying "There will always be something to worry about, but for once, it won't be about money.". Andrea has advised him to be careful with his money, and to spend it wisely rather than splashing out. Clarke plans to purchase a house for him and his family, and taking everything else one day at a time.