Can't cock my springer any more

I own a Beeman HW 97 K rifle that requires 36 lbs. of cocking effort. I had bypass surgery about four months ago and now find it difficult to cock the rifle. I thought of getting a length of PVC pipe to "extend" the lever, making cocking easier. Has anybody done this or something similar? Is there a danger in doing this? Is there another technique you use?

Thanks for your advice.